On Saturday, May 26, ecologist Leonardo Frid will be leading a Bowen Nature Club walk to learn more about alien invasive plants on Bowen. Invasive alien plants are non-native plant species that have been introduced locally and spread widely, resulting in ecological and economic damages. Often, these plants are intentionally introduced as ornamental species and then "escape" into the natural environment. Depending on the particular species and the environment it is introduced to, damages can range from relatively minor to a wholesale transformation of the ecosystem with consequences to native flora, fauna and human communities.
On the walk, we will identify some common invaders like Scotch Broom, Gorse, Japanese Knotweed and English Ivy. We will discuss the mechanisms of introduction, spread and damages as well as some things that can be done to prevent further introductions and mitigate their impact. The one to two hour leisurely walk will begin in front of the library at 10 a.m. and follow the trail through Crippen Park to Miller road and back to the library. Please e-mail questions to [email protected] or phone Leonardo at 2688.
