Bethel's Alien Invasion

What? Bethel is being invaded?

A biological invasion of non-native plants is spreading into our nations' fields, pastures, forests, wetlands and waterways, natural areas, and right-of-ways. Over the years, a variety of non-native plant species have been introduced to Connecticut intentionally or accidentally. Non-native plant species are those that are alien to our Connecticut ecosystem. Most non-native plant species exhibit an aggressive growth habit and can out-compete and displace native species and thus are referred to as invasive species. Invasive plant species gain an ecological edge since the insects, diseases, and foraging animals that naturally keep its growth in check in its native range are not present in its new habitat.

Why are they a problem?

It’s a matter of ecology. In many cases, plants from around the world are welcomed, manageable additions to our gardens and landscaping. Of the 4,000 alien plant species introduced to the United States approximately 400 are serious invaders. Half this total was introduced intentionally for horticultural uses. Others arrived accidentally in seed mixes, packaging materials, ships ballast, and by other means. Invasive alien plants, however, escape cultivation and become agricultural pests, infest lawns as weeds, displace native plant species, reduce wildlife habitat, and alter ecosystem processes. Across Bethel, invasive alien plants have become a serious threat to native species, natural communities, and the ecosystem processes.

Invasive alien plants typically exhibit the following characteristics:

•    Rapid growth and maturity, displacing slower growing plants

•    Tolerate many soil types and weather conditions

•    Prolific seed production

•    Highly successful seed dispersal, germination and colonization

•    Rampant spread, when they are free of the natural checks and balances found in their

    native range

•    Ability to out-compete native species

•    High cost to remove or control

562 invasive plants have been reported in CT with Fairfield County having 548 reported species.

Drive around Bethel and you will find these invasive plants in abundance:

•    Japanese barberry

•    Multiflora rose

•    Oriental bittersweet

•    Winged burning bush

•    Garlic mustard

•    Yellow groove bamboo

•    Autumn olive

•    Purple loosestrife

•    Morrow's honeysuckle

And for our boating and fishing friends, let us not forget the Eurasion Water Milfoil and Hydrilla. Aquatic plants are essential components of healthy ecosystems in lakes and ponds. They cleanse water and provide habitat for rich communities of aquatic organisms. Because invasive species are not native, they have few natural enemies. Their dramatic growth rates can clog water intakes, decrease recreational opportunities and alter native ecosystems.

So What?

Nationwide, over $100 million a year is spent combating invasive plants in wetlands only. Rich, diverse plant communities can become barren, inhospitable expanses on invasive plants with little value to wildlife. Have you ever noticed that the Oriental Bittersweet, climbing trees, ultimately kill them? Just take a hike along the upper trails of Huntington Park to see how these vines are slowly changing the ecology of the park. Take a look at the row of the pine trees located in front of the Bethel High School. What will the setting of the high school look like when the line of the pine trees succumb to the vines?

What Can You Do?

• Contact the Bethel Garden Club to find out which plants are invasive in your yard

• Take a picture of your suspected aliens specie and ask the pros at Hollandia, Agway, Shakespeare Gardens and other local nurseries

• Remove invasive plants from you property or prevent their spread

• Use native plant species grown from local stock such as those offered by Earth Tones in Woodbury

• Only use non-invasive plants when landscaping your property

• Use systemic herbicides carefully as a last result to remove invasive plants.

• Get involved in organizations that work to protect biodiversity such as the Bethel Land Trust

The Bethel Land Trust have completed an ecological inventory of its preserves, several of which contain some of invasive species listed above and is in the process of developing an invasive species management plan for each preserve. If you have an hour or so and a pair of loppers and gloves, we would welcome your help during one of our work parties. If you are a high school student helping us as an individual, a club, or team to remove our invasive species your help may be applied towards your community service requirement.