Not All Berries Are Created Equal

 Not All Berries Are Created Equal is the title to a great article posted on Wildlife Garden: Redefining Beautiful's website. It explains from a gardeners perspective why it is so important to choose native and non-invasive plants for your backyard. Both gardeners and wildlife benefit from using plants native to their own area. To read the article click here.

EU Strategy to Combat Invasive Species

The Institute for European Environmental Policy has prepared a study that analyses and outlines continued development for the European Union strategy to combat invasive species. The study provides options and approaches to prevent unintentional introductions, rapid response, management strategies, restoration and financial costs. Click here to read more and view the study.

Pulling Together to Fight Invasives in Hawaii

The Hawaii Early Detection Network hopes to educate and engage communities to monitor for invasive species infesting their own neighborhoods .
The Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) and Kohala Watershed Partnership (KWP) are offering training to interested volunteers in the Kohala area. Volunteers can learn how to join in the effort to preserve the integrity of their district’s landscapes, forests, farms, and watersheds. For more information and to read the article in Hawaii 24/7 click here.

Battling Invasive Species in Ballast Water

California's Bay area battles invasive species which contaminate the ballast water discharge from cargo ships. The state has issued a deadline for shipping companies to develop a way to purify the water coming into the Bay area on their cargo ships or pay large penalties. To read the article click here.

Green Roof Plantings Should Exclude Invasive Plants

Be careful when choosing plant species for your green roof or rooftop garden. Green roof plantings which contain invasive plant species can contribute to infestations in the surrounding area. Whether wind borne or carried by wildlife such as birds and mice, the seeds and fruit of invasive plants can be easily dispersed from rooftop gardens.  To read an article on this topic, click here.

Invasives Blamed for Great Lakes Bird Die-Off

Invasive species are being blamed for the thousands of bird carcasses that have washed ashore Lake Michigan this fall. The annual bird die-off in the northern Wisconsin and Michigan area happens each fall. Over the past 15 years, more than 100,000 birds have been claimed which have been linked to the spread of invasive zebra and quagga mussels. The U.S. Geological Survey has studied mussels for over 20 years and rank them among the most destruction biological invasions in North America. To read more about the bird die-off in the Great Lakes, click here.

First Spanish Invasive Species Catalog

The Ministry of Environment has established the first Spanish invasive species catalog. The catalog is on 168 invasive animal species. The purpose of the new invasive species catalog is to eradicate the invasives because of their negative impact on the ecosystem. Click here to read more.