Office of Natural Resources April 2018 New and Spreading Invasive Plant Species in DuPage County Forest Preserves Office of Natural Resources April 2018

Outline Definition of Native Definition of Invasive Select Local Invasive Species Action Steps References

Native Species Includes plants, fungus, and animals. Endemic or indigenous (comes from that location or environment). Can still be considered native even if they migrate.

Invasive Species Plant, fungus, or animal species. Not native to a specific location (isn’t normally found in that area). Often cause damage to the environment. Can be introduced by humans. Also known as non-native.

Invasive Plant Example Japanese Parsley (Oenanthe javanica) Perennial (comes back every year). Can grow up to 3 feet. White flowers. Flowers from June through August. Prefers wet soils and can grow in water. Horizontal, rooting stems – spreads rapidly.

Invasive Water Plant Example Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) Perennial (comes back every year). Can only live in still, fresh water environments (lakes, ponds, etc.). Invasive not only to U.S. but also Africa, Asia, and Europe. Native to South America only. Covers surface of water, blocking sunlight.

Invasive Fungus Example Dutch Elm Disease (Ophiostoma ulmi) Arrived in the U.S. in 1930s in Cleveland. Originally from Asia. Infect Elm trees. Caused Elm trees to mainly disappear from the Midwest.

Invasive Animal Example Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) Arrived in the U.S. in 1860s. Came from Europe for silk production to our East Coast. Escaped captivity and spread. Defoliator (leaf eating) of oaks and other trees.

Invasive Animal Example Zebra Mussel (Ophiostoma ulmi) Arrived in the U.S. in 1980s. Originally from Caspian Sea region of Asia. Accidentally released into Great Lakes through ballast water. Ballast water is held in tanks of cargo ships to increase stability. Filter feeders that outcompete native animals. Take resources from water. Clog intake pipes of power plants.

How this effects YOU!!! Billions of tax payers $$$ spent every year on invasive species. There are laws that prohibit certain activities in the nature. Some invasive species can cause health hazards. Our natural environments could be destroyed.

References Illinois DNR (Department of Natural Resources): http://www.defenders.org/publications/illinois.pdf USGS (United States Geological Survey): https://nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/mollusks/zebramussel/ Missouri Department of Natural Resources: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Invasives/care.html Invasive Species Ancient Lights, 2010. Video Segment  Discovery Education. Web. 27/4/2017. http://www.discoveryeducation.com. Gypsy Moth Funk & Wagnalls,  . Encyclopedia Article. Discovery Education. Web. 27 April 2017. <http://www.discoveryeducation.com/>.