Invasive Species

 Hi all,

An invasive species is a species that takes over a non-native habitat and can be harmful to local environments and native species. Some examples of the many invasive species out there include the Spotted Lantern Fly, Zebra Mussels, the Asian Long Horned Beetle, the Emerald Ash Borer, Lion Fish, Kudzu, the Japanese Beetle, and Japanese Knot Weed. These species take over and choke out native species.

You can help by not transporting firewood long distances, cleaning watercraft to prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels, join in invasive plant removal events in your area, keep an eye out for invasive species when exploring the outdoors, and plant native plants on your property.

Until next time,

Grace

Keep the garbage out!

 Hi all,

Today I want to talk about garbage that ends up in our rivers and lakes. When my Dad canoed on the Red River he would pull garbage out of the water (see the pictures below). He said that there were cans, bottles, cardboard, plastic bags, styrofoam, construction material, and fishing gear in the water. This stuff hurts waterbirds, wading birds, shorebirds, birds of prey, turtles, fish, beavers, mink, muskrats, otters and other animals that rely of rivers and lakes for habitat and food. Please keep garbage our of our waters.

Until next time,

Grace

Leave the Leaves

Welcome back! If you want to mow or mulch your leaves here are 5 reasons to leave the leaves.

  Reasons why you should leave the leaves:

1. Saves you money and time since you don't have to mow
2. Gives kids an opportunity to learn why leaves are important by themselves if they want to (not online but outside)
3. Provides winter shelter/nesting for toads, frogs, turtles, and small mammals
4. Shelter for insects that are food for birds
5. Leaves have water for the trees when it gets dry

Until next time, Grace

* I will do the Dolphin on Monday*