By Blake Jackson
This past Saturday, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosted the state's inaugural Invasive Species Awareness Day. The event aimed to educate residents on identifying and removing invasive plants threatening Wisconsin's ecosystems.
One such event took place at the MacKenzie Center in Poynette, where dedicated volunteers, like Wanda Krauss, donned gloves and joined DNR leaders in tackling invasive plants outside the center. Krauss, familiar with the struggle against invasives in her own garden, explained, "There's less garlic mustard now than before, but it's disheartening to see it return each year."
Garlic mustard and buckthorn are just a couple of the invasive species targeted by the DNR. "These invasives impact various ecosystems," said Jason Granberg, a DNR invasive species specialist. "They affect our waters, wetlands, and even woodlands and prairies."
These seemingly harmless plants can wreak havoc on the environment. They crowd out native species, disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. This imbalance can negatively impact human health, the economy, and even the beauty of Wisconsin's natural landscapes.
Krauss emphasizes the importance of controlling garlic mustard: "We need to understand that these wildflowers will disappear if we let garlic mustard take over."
Invasive Species Awareness Day signifies a crucial step towards protecting Wisconsin's natural treasures. By educating residents and encouraging participation in removal efforts, the DNR hopes to create a more sustainable future for the state's diverse ecosystems.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops