Why a Weed Walk?

by Christine Sevilla

Invasive plants are everywhere. Non-native plants have been introduced for erosion control, as fences, for medicinal uses, to recreate a homeland environment, and for their exotic beauty. Many also arrived by accident. Lacking the natural controls that checked their growth in their native landscape, these non-native plants are able to grow in a variety of conditions, spread quickly, to displace native plants, and alter ecosystems.

What happens on a Weed Walk? You’ll be welcomed to the Crescent Trail. The plants we’ll look for on this brief (and not taxing!) walk will be described briefly before setting off. We’ll see autumn olive, black swallowwort, garlic mustard, multiflora rose, oriental bittersweet, and Tatarian honeysuckle. Horticultural and scientific experts (different experts volunteer each year) will answer questions.

What can we do after the Weed Walk? We need to take action to preserve a diverse ecosystem. We can start in our own back yards. You’ll receive a brochure on invasive plants, Garden Villains, with information, photos and contacts for more advice. You will also receive a Cornell brochure, Weed Suppressive Groundcovers are plants you’ll use to keep these garden villains from returning. You’ll leave the Weed Walk with the experience and reference tools to battle your own garden villains.