Illinois Stop the Spread = Planting Success

Story by Jennifer Behnken

     Earlier this year, the Callery pear (also known as Bradford pear) was featured as a potentially problematic tree for land managers and residents alike. This ornamental pear species is escaping into the wild and potentially becoming an invasive species. This problem is occurring across the state of Illinois, even as ornamental pear species are continuing to be used as a landscape plant along streets, sidewalks, businesses, and residential lands. The need for high maintenance pruning combined with Callery pear's short life span and proneness to splitting indicates increased frequency in tree replacement and potential strain on city tree management budgets.

     Many partnering organizations have united to bring awareness to these issues and establish the Illinois Stop the Spread! campaign. This campaign, adopted from Missouri's efforts, will provide a positive solution to the problem of the Callery pear by identifying and promoting available species of native trees which consumers, landscapers, and city planners may select as alternatives. These alternative native species were planted and displayed for all to see in a community demonstration area at Attucks Park and Green Earth, Inc. Pyles Fork Preserve in Carbondale, Illinois.

Jennifer Behnken, SIU Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator welcoming volunteers

Demonstrating the correct
planting technique

     The day of the planting arrived with warm weather, blue skies, and eager volunteers. Approximately twenty-five people took time out of their busy schedules to participate in our planting event. Volunteers included forestry students from Southern Illinois University, Green Earth members, local residents, and Illinois Stop the Spread! partners. The event started with a welcome and description of the campaign's objectives followed by a tree planting demonstration and overview of proper planting methods provided by Jennifer Behnken, SIU Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator. Volunteers then strapped on their gloves, grabbed a shovel, and immediately set to work. Although the ground was saturated from a previous rain event, everyone sunk their shovels in the soggy clay soil and put their backs into it. Each tree was planted with thoughtful efforts, grunts, and smiles.

     Randy Montgomery, the grounds supervisor from Carbondale Park District, watered the trees, thanks to a watering tank donated by Nancy Garwood from the Illinois Native Plant Society. The volunteer crew set to work hauling woodchips to the trees, donated by a local tree service. A caravan of wheelbarrows traveled back and forth from the woodchip pile with Jesse Riechman, coordinator of the Southeastern Illinois Prescribed Burn Association and chair of the Illinois Chapter of the Society of American Foresters, taking the lead with his ATV and trailer. Thanks to those who photographed our event, including Karla Gage, Coordinator of the River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area, and Lisa Thomas, Green Earth volunteer. Thanks also to Nathan Speagle from Green Earth, for providing a free lunch and refreshments to nourish the bodies of hard-working volunteers!

     All in all, thirty-seven trees of fifteen different species were planted. Their container sizes ranged from 3-gallon to 20-gallon, hence the need for individuals with strong muscles and backs. To visit the planting, please visit Attucks Park at 800 N. Wall St. in Carbondale, Illinois. This is a volunteer project and as such, we are asking for your help. Please consider donating to Green Earth Inc. to supplement our efforts (visit greenearthinc.org). Funds will be used to offset costs of printing outreach materials which will be free to the public, as well as materials for tree maintenance, such as fertilizer and mulch. Even one dollar can go a long way; all support is greatly appreciated!

     Stay tuned for the next planting installment in the fall to include more native tree and shrub species and interpretive signage implementation in May 2015. Many heartfelt thanks to those that have made this project possible! We hope it serves as a template to generate grassroots efforts towards deterring the spread of Callery (Bradford) pear trees and the beginning of a statewide awareness program. Consider alternatives to plant in your backyard and help Illinois Stop the Spread!

"Illinois Stop the Spread local partners, to date, are: Carbondale Park District, Green Earth, Inc., Illinois Forestry Association, Illinois Native Plant Society, the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan - Invasive Species Campaign, Keep Carbondale Beautiful, the River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area, Shawnee Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc., Southern Illinois University Carbondale, the Society of American Foresters, and the University of Illinois Extension."

Governor Quinn Proclaims May "Invasive Species Awareness Month"

Illinois Residents Urged to Help Combat Invasive Species 

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has issued a proclamation declaring May to be “Invasive Species Awareness Month.” The proclamation will promote awareness of the damage caused by invasive species and encourage Illinois residents to become more involved in combating invasive species and preventing new ones from being introduced.

Invasive species usually are non-native species that can invade an ecosystem causing ecological or economic harm. Without the factors that kept them in check in their native environment, invasive species can multiply rapidly, displacing native plants and animals and degrading habitat. Habitat loss and competition from invasive species are the primary reasons plants and animals become threatened or endangered.

“Invasive species threaten prairies, woodlands, lakes and streams in all corners of Illinois,” Gov. Quinn said. “We must fight to keep these invaders from damaging our natural areas and our economy.”

This year’s theme is “Invasive Species Affect Everyone.” Anyone who lives, works or spends time outside in Illinois is affected by invasive species. All citizens can help combat the introduction and spread of invasive species in the state.

“Everyone is aware of the devastating effects Asian carp have on our river systems,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller. “What many people may not know is there are many more invasive species of plants and animals that threaten the natural character of our state.”

Invasive plant species like garlic mustard, bush honeysuckle, Japanese stiltgrass, autumn olive and buckthorn compete with native species and reduce biodiversity. The emerald ash borer, a tiny metallic green beetle native to Asia, is responsible for killing millions of ash trees in the U.S. and Canada.

The zebra mussel, round goby and Eurasian water milfoil have a negative effect on aquatic systems, while feral swine (wild hogs) damage wildlife habitat and spread disease. Learn more about these and other invasive species at: www.illinoisinvasives.org.

The IDNR Division of Natural Heritage reports that animals and plants not native to Illinois at the time of European settlement are considered exotic species. Many species of exotic plants are harmless and very useful in windbreaks, landscaping, and in preventing erosion.  However, a handful of exotic species do have the potential to invade natural communities and displace highly desirable native species.

“Employees of local, county, state and federal agencies, assisted by volunteers throughout Illinois, work together to eradicate, manage or control invasive plants and animals on the ground and in our waterways,” Miller said. “Gov. Quinn is committed to working with conservation groups and state agencies to make all Illinoisans aware of the impacts of invasive species – and the environmental and economic costs we face if we lose the battle to control them.”

Increasing public awareness of invasive species is an essential goal because prevention and early intervention are the most effective and cost efficient approaches to address the economic and ecological impacts of exotic invasive species.

About 100 events are planned statewide to allow citizens to participate in Invasive Species Month Awareness Events. For more information, and to see a list of events, visit: www.illinoisinvasives.org.

To view the Governor's Proclamation:
http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/news/Documents/InvasiveSpeciesAwarenessMonth.pdf

SAVE THE DATE! - Illinois Invasive Species Symposium, May 29th, 2014 , IDNR Building Springfield, IL

The Illinois Wildlife Action Plan – Invasive Species Campaign will be hosting an invasive species symposium on May 29th, 2014 at the IDNR Building in Springfield, IL.

The symposium will kick off with a presentation from John Schwegman on the history of invasive species efforts in Illinois.  This all taxa meeting with include presentations on exotic plants, insects, diseases, and animals.

The Symposium will be from 9:30-3:30 on May 29th and will be free of charge.

More information coming soon!

Bioenergy crops have potential as renewable fuel source—and as invasive species

Weed Science Society of America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Invasive Plant Science and Management — Cultivation of large grasses for bioenergy production is gaining interest as a renewable fuel source. A sterile hybrid, giant miscanthus, is a promising bioenergy crop that, unfortunately, carries a high establishment cost for growers. A new seed-bearing line may have economic benefits, but it also bears consequences as an invasive species if it escapes cultivation.

The article “The Relative Risk of Invasion: Evaluation of Miscanthus × giganteus Seed Establishment,” reports the results of field tests on the fertile “PowerCrane” line of giant miscanthus. There is a dearth of research on the ability of such newly developed fertile crops to escape cultivation. Such research can identify susceptible habitats and help advance management plans in preparation for widespread commercialization.

Giant miscanthus produces abundant biomass, has few pests, and requires few inputs after establishment. While these traits make it an excellent bioenergy crop, they are also traits of invasive species. This species has the ability to produce up to 1 billion spikelets per acre per year that can disperse seed into the wind.

In this study, seedling establishment was evaluated in seven habitats: no-till agricultural field, agricultural field edge, forest understory, forest edge, water’s edge, pasture, and roadside. Experiments were conducted at three sites in the southeastern United States—the area most likely to see increased bioenergy production due to its ideal growing conditions.

Giant miscanthus seedlings emerged in roadside and forest edge habitats at all study sites, and early in the growing season, there were more giant miscanthus seedlings in the agricultural field than any of the other species. Despite its potential, in these tests giant miscanthus experienced high seedling mortality—99.9 percent overall. However, identification of even a small population of an escaped species at an early stage can be critical for effective eradication. A 99.9 percent mortality rate in spikelets per acre leaves 1 million spikelets in the seed bank! This study looks at the early establishment phase of invasion, which is only part of the process. With growing demand and federal mandates, bioenergy production is on the increase, and evaluation of these crops’ potential as invasive species will be essential for management.

Full text of the article “The Relative Risk of Invasion: Evaluation of Miscanthus × giganteus Seed Establishment,” Invasive Plant Science and Management, Vol. 7, No. 1, January-March 2014, is now available.

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About Invasive Plant Science and Management

Invasive Plant Science and Management is a broad-based journal that focuses on invasive plant species. It is published by the Weed Science Society of America, a non-profit professional society that promotes research, education, and extension outreach activities related to weeds; provides science-based information to the public and policy makers; and fosters awareness of weeds and their impacts on managed and natural ecosystems. For more information, visit http://www.wssa.net/.

Keep an eye out for invasive plants this spring!

Springtime provides a great opportunity to find and report several invasive species.  Since many of our native trees and shrubs have not yet started to leaf out, invasive species with either early leaf growth of early flowering can be easily found. 

Here in Illinois, we have two websites where people can both view invasive species distribution maps and contribute new reports.  In the Chicago region, the New Invaders Watch Program tracks invasive species that are moving in to that region.  Reports of the target species can be entered at www.newinvaders.org.  The Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS, www.eddmaps.org) developed by the University of Georgia, covers the entire state and all invasive plant species.  This system has thousands of records for many different invasive plant occurrences in Illinois.  Even with all of these records, the maps produced on this site can be incomplete, especially for new invaders.  Adding your observations can help us have a more accurate picture of the distribution of invasive species and will aid in planning, prioritizing and controlling species. 

Here are three species that are particularly visible in early spring.

Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)

This species, often better known by the name of one of its ornamental varieties, Bradford pear, is starting to be found escaping throughout Illinois.  Because it grows in open areas and flowers much earlier than most other shrubs, it is extremely easliy found at this time of year.  Look for patches of white flowering shrubs or small trees along roadways, in old fields and in other distubed areas across the state.  To learn more about Callery pear, go to http://www.invasive.org/browse/subinfo.cfm?sub=10957 or http://niipp.net/files/niipp/files/2011/01/Callery%20pear%20homeowners%20fact%20sheet%20FINAL.pdf




Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna or Ranunculus ficaria)

This small spring empheral forb is being found in bottomland woods in northern Illinois and can impact our native wildflowers.  The showy yellow flowers often lead people into thinking this is a desirable native species, but don't let its looks fool you, it is a serious invader that we do not yet have a clear idea of where it is invading in Illinois.  This is a species that we definitely want more information on any infestations you know about.  To learn more about lesser celandine, go to http://www.invasive.org/browse/subinfo.cfm?sub=3069

Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

This is no new invader!  Unfortunately garlic mustard is widespread throughout Illinois.  If you do not yet have it on your land, then you need to make every effort to keep it that way!  Scouting your woods in the early spring is the best way to find new infestations of garlic mustard and will allow you to take quick action before new seeds are produced in late spring.  To learn more about garlic mustard, go to http://www.rtrcwma.org/Garlic_Mustard.pdf or http://www.invasive.org/browse/subinfo.cfm?sub=3005.

New IDNR Rule Restricts Transportation, Release and Harvest of Feral Swine

Rule will aid management of destructive animals


Contacts:
Chris Young

217-557-1240
SPRINGFIELD, IL – A new administrative rule regulating the release, transportation, and harvest of feral swine (wild hogs) in Illinois is now in effect. Hunters should be aware they will only be allowed to harvest feral swine during Illinois’ firearm deer seasons. The new rule, approved by the Illinois General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), is designed to help the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) better address the management of feral swine and deter those who would seek to establish and promote hunting of feral swine in Illinois.

“Feral swine are detrimental to wildlife and wildlife habitat and can spread disease. This new rule will make it possible for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to more effectively control the spread of feral swine in Illinois,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller. “Through our collaborative efforts with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, we are well on our way to eliminating feral swine from our landscape.”

The IDNR, in cooperation with the USDA’s Wildlife Services program, have worked closely with dozens of landowners in Effingham, Clay, Fayette, and Marion Counties for the past three years to eliminate a population of invasive feral swine causing severe damage to wildlife habitat, wetlands, and agricultural crops in the region. The IDNR and Wildlife Services have also worked with a multitude of landowners to reduce a population of feral swine in Fulton County. The population, once estimated to exceed 400 individuals, is down to less than approximately 20 animals. IDNR and USDA biologists are hopeful this population can be completely eliminated within the next several months.

The new rule (17 Ill. Adm. Code 700 – Wild Swine) makes it illegal to hunt or shoot feral swine outside of the firearm, muzzleloader, late-winter antlerless, and CWD deer seasons. Hunters must be legally hunting deer during those seasons, and if they see a wild hog, they will be able to shoot it.

Limiting the circumstances under which a hunter can shoot feral swine will also deter those who would bring feral swine into Illinois illegally to promote hunting of wild hogs. By restricting the release and harvest of feral swine, IDNR hopes to prevent the culture of hunting wild hogs from developing, as the costs of having these damaging animals far outweighs the benefits. The new rule also is intended to prevent trespassing. Since feral swine could be shot year round before implementation of the new rule, some were tempted to trespass on private property in pursuit of wild hogs.

“By itself, hunting of feral swine is not an effective method of control,” said Mark Alessi, assistant chief of the IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources. “Shooting tends to scatter the remaining individuals, and this makes it very difficult for our biologists to track the pigs and impedes our efforts to trap and remove multiple animals at once. We support the hunters who are able to shoot feral swine during the deer seasons, and we ask that they inform us when they shoot one. We have conducted a scientific survey of landowners, and the majority of landowners support our management efforts.”

Feral swine (Sus scrofa) originated from varieties of introduced domestic swine, Eurasian wild boar, and their hybrids, and are currently found in Illinois. Feral swine cause more than $1.5 billion annually in damage and management costs nationwide. Feral swine have a high reproduction rate, eat just about anything they can find, and are extremely smart. They can produce two litters a year, with up to 10 piglets each time. They have no natural predators, aside from humans, in Illinois. Their diet and destructive rooting behaviors are detrimental to wildlife and wildlife habitat.

Under the new rule, feral swine can be taken legally in the following manners in Illinois:

1. Hunters, who are legally deer hunting during firearm deer seasons, will be able to legally shoot feral swine. They will also be required to report the harvest of feral swine during firearm deer seasons to the IDNR. Hunters are asked to report feral swine harvest to Doug Dufford, IDNR Wildlife Disease and Invasive Animals Program Manager, at (815) 369-2414. Hunters who legally harvest feral swine are able to keep the meat if they desire.

2. It is now illegal to guide or be an outfitter for feral swine hunting. It is also illegal to hunt feral swine in an enclosure.

3. Landowners are required to obtain a nuisance wildlife permit if they see feral swine on their property and want to personally remove the swine outside of the “gun” deer seasons, or they can contact IDNR staff for assistance in removing feral swine at no charge to the landowner.

New Research Published - Excessive deer populations facilitate garlic mustard invasion

Just last week we posted on this blog about a recent article about deer overabundance impacting aboveground vegetation and seed bank and how they influences the forest community.  (See original post HERE).

Now, new research has been published that further investigates the specific relationship between deer populations and invasion by garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata.  In the latest issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (vol. 111, no.12), Kalisz et. al  published an article titled "In a long-term experimental demography study, excluding ungulates reversed invader's explosive population growth rate and restored natives."  In this article, the authors argue that successful garlic mustard invasion is dependent upon high deer populations.

From a release about the article on Science Daily -
(http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140320111932.htm)

To study the effect of rampant deer on trillium and garlic mustard populations, the researchers established multiple 196-square-meter plots in the forest. Half were fenced to exclude deer. Years of observation and hours of statistical analysis later, the team found that in plots where deer were excluded, the trillium population is increasing, and the garlic mustard population is trending toward zero.  "This demonstrates that the high population growth rate of the invader is caused by the high abundance of deer," says Susan Kalisz, professor of evolutionary ecology in the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Biological Sciences and principal investigator of the study. This effect is reversible with deer exclusion.

The full research article can be found here:
http://www.pnas.org/content/111/12/4501