Invasive Species

Have you ever heard of zebra mussels? Or purple loosestrife? How about gypsy moths? There is thing that all of these species have in common – they are all invasive species. Invasive species are non-native species that overrun an environment where they have been transplanted. Throughout history people have intentionally and unintentionally moved species from their original environments to new ones. These non-native plant and animals are not always harmful, however, some of these new species cause problems when they outcompete the native species. Explore the world of invasive species with Project Learning Trees “Invasive Species”! February 26 to March 3 is National Invasive Species Awareness Week. Check out the NISAW website for things you can do to make a difference! http://www.nisaw.org/2012/ways_to_observe.pdf



Book List
Grades 3-5
Batten, M. 2003. Aliens from Earth: When Animals and Plants Invade Other Ecosystems. Peachtree Publishers.
Guiberson, B. 1999. Exotic Species: Invaders in Paradise. Lerner Publishing Group.
Lesinski, J.M. 1996. Exotic Invaders: Killer Bees, Fire Ants, and Other Alien Species are Infesting America! Walker & Company.
Roth, C.E. 1973. Walking Catfish and Other Aliens. Addison-Wesley.
Souza, D.M. 2003. Plant Invaders. Scholastic Library Publishing.

Grades 6-8
Collard, S.B. 1996. Alien Invaders: The Continuing Threat of Exotic Species. Scholastic Library Publishing.

Grades 9-12
Leland, J. 2005. Aliens in the Backyard: Plant and Animal Imports into America. University of South Carolina Press.
Lockwood, J.L., M. Marchetti and M. Hoopes. 2006. Invasion Ecology. Blackwell Publishers.
Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plant Species of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. Oxford University Press.