National Invasive Species Awareness Week

National Invasive Species Awareness Week (or NISAW, for short), is actually an international movement that aims to raise awareness of the dangers of invasive species all across the world. 

​NISAW 2021, Part I starts on February 22 and goes through the 28. This week is all about spreading awareness about invasive species and promoting legislative changes at local, state, and federal levels. Part II will be May 15 through 22, and will continue these efforts, but will also include events that bring communities together to remove invasive species.

​In the spirit of NISAW this week, we thought we’d do our part in getting the word out on one of the biggest threats to our beloved trees.

​What Are Invasive Species?

​You may remember learning this term back in high school, but basically, invasive species are plants or animals that have been introduced to an ecosystem they aren’t native to. Not all “invaders” will survive in a new environment, because they haven’t evolved or adapted to the conditions there. But sometimes, the invading species actually takes really well to their new home. 

Consider this: the invaders decide they really, really like eating a specific other species in this new environment. The native species in the area aren’t evolved or adapted to defend against the new threat, so their numbers suffer. Plus, since the invaders aren’t native to the area, they won’t have any natural predators to keep their numbers within reason. So, you end up with an overpopulation of the invasive species decimating the populations of native species. 

What Are Some Invasive Species in Georgia?

Probably the most well-known invasive species in our area is kudzu. You’ve seen kudzu blanketing trees around town, covering ground along the highway, and even taking over powerlines. Kudzu is a vine native to Japan. It was introduced to the United States in the late 1800s as a new way to control soil erosion. 

​Kudzu is a climbing vine, and it uses existing structures to reach for more sun exposure and access to rainwater. In doing so, it blocks these resources from whatever tree or plant it’s growing on.  

​In its natural habitat, with insects that feed upon it, kudzu is just another vine in the forest. But in the States, we don’t have those insects. Our insects actually tend to avoid kudzu. So, with nothing keeping the kudzu in check, it grows wildly in every direction, literally choking our native trees and plants.

Another major invasive species in our area is the Chinese Privet. You may not have heard of it, but you’ve definitely seen it, because it’s everywhere. This shrub grows quickly into a dense thicket that blocks light and water from reaching anything beneath it. It also tends to leech nutrients from the soil around it, making the surrounding area less hospitable to native species.  

When we do underbrush clearing for a customer, Chinese Privet is usually one of the culprits clogging up their property. It’s difficult to get rid of, so if you suspect you’ve got some Chinese Privet spreading, give us a call so we can remove it before it becomes a problem!

​Other common invasive tree species in the Athens area specifically are the Chinaberry tree, Mimosa tree, Paulownia tree, and Tallow tree. 

​How Can You Help?

​There are a lot of ways you can get involved in National Invasive Species Awareness Week this year. 

• Use your voice to help spread awareness about invasive species by posting on social media and using the hashtags #NISAW and #invasivespecies
• Tune into one of NISAW’s free webinar series to learn more about the of invasive species, common invasive species to look out for, and how to manage them.

• Sign up for emails from NISAW here to get event updates, awareness resources, and other invasive species news right to your inbox.
  
• Check out the University of Georgia’s Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health (also known as the Bugwood Program). They’re a leader in invasive species awareness, as well as a range of natural and agricultural interests, and have plenty of resources.
• Look at this Invasive Plants Identification and Control Guide to read more about the different invasive species in Georgia and what to do about them.
• Or, look at this free guide that details simple methods you can use to control 12 of the most common invasive plants in Georgia (brought to you by the State Botanical Gardens. Athens Land Trust, ACC, Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful, and the GA Unified Government).

If you think you have an invasive species in your yard, or are worried about the health of any of your trees, check out our guide on some simple signs that your tree is in decline. Or, contact us for a free quote!

Author

​Emily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.