Invasive Species in North Carolina

North Carolina is lucky to have Randy and Becky Westbrooks fighting invasive species in their state. Randy has worked for many years at the state and national levels to implement EDRR - Early Detection and Rapid Response programs. Becky is the Chair Natural and Social Sciences at Southeastern Community College and together they have developed an online program to train invasive species field managers. The five core courses in the program cover all aspects of invasive species management – including pre-clearance of commodities at foreign ports of exports, border clearance at ports of entry, early detection and rapid response, and control.

Information on invasive species in North Carolina:

• Beach Vitex Task Force
• Invasive Species in North Carolina publication
• Invasive Species - Going Native
• North Carolina Exotic Pest Plant Council website
• North Carolina Invasive Species Advisory Committee
• Invasive Exotic Plants of North Carolina publication
• Invasive Exotic Plants: Publications and Resources

Crested floating heart, Nymphoides cristata
photo by Larry McCord, Santee Cooper, Bugwood.org