New Years Resolutions: Simple Measures to Stop Invasive Species

A great idea in the Maui News today suggest ways we can each make a difference in the fight against invasive species each month. The article focuses on what to can be done on Maui but the suggestions can easily be adapted for any part of the United States.

• January-check your backyard and remove any invasives
• February-National Invasive Species Awareness Week: learn about the invasives in your area
• March-buy local: using locally grown products including firewood reduces the chance of moving pests to a new area
• April-clean your gear: hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, four wheeling, boating, diving 
• May-volunteer: contact local parks, Master Gardeners or Department of Natural Resources
• June-survey your trees for invasive pest damage
• July-travel smart: check twice and have proper inspections for produce and wood
• August-take a hike but survey along the way for invasive plants and report them
• September-be neighborly: a neighborhood group working towards controlling invasives will be much more effective than one person alone
• October-go native in your yard: plant some of the many beautiful native species
• November-eat an invasive: feral hogs, lionfish, Asian carp are just a few of the many edible invasive species
• December-use an invasive tree as a Christmas tree or as a yule-tide log in your fireplace

To read the original article by Lissa Strohecker in the Maui News.