Invasive Species

What are invasive species?
Invasive species are species of organism that are not native to an ecosystem and which cause harm. Invasive species generally grow and reproduce quickly, and spread aggressively with the potential to cause harm to the environment, the economy, and even human health.

How do they spread?

Invasive species are spread intentionally and unintentionally through human activity. Throughout history people have introduced foreign species to new environments for aesthetic and economic reasons. Species are also introduced inadvertently on ships, in wood products, through ornamental plants, pet trade, and other means of transportation.

Why are they bad?

Invasive species can cause harm various ways. They pose a threat to native animal species by outcompeting native species for resources, preying on native species, and carrying diseases that harm them. Invasive plant species displace native plant species. They can quickly take over an area causing clogged waterways, and improper growth and germination of native plants species.  Many invasive plant species provide no food value to native animal species. All invasive species also threaten the delicate balance of entire ecosystems by disrupting the natural food web, decreasing biodiversity, and altering ecosystem conditions.

What can you do?

• Plant natives in your yard and remove any invasive.
• Learn to identify invasive species in your area.
• Report invasive plant and animal sightings to your local county extension office.
• If you are traveling to another country or region, check your baggage and vehicle for “hitchhikers”.
• When boating always clean your boat and check it for aquatic invasive species before putting it into another body of water.
• When camping do not bring your own firewood, instead buy locally grown firewood.

Ideas for invasive species class, family, or community projects

• Plant native grasses, flowers, and trees in your yard or schoolyard.
• Design and implement a local invasive species study.
• Raise awareness of invasive species. Put together an awareness poster or campaign and help spread the word. Are you part of a scout or youth group? Make invasive species awareness into a community service project.

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.
Collard, S. B. 2008. Science Warriors: The Battle Against Invasive Species. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Hartman, E., and W. Meshbesher. 2012. What is the Threat of Invasive Species? Heinemann-Raintree.

Grades 9-12

Hartman, E., and W. Meshbesher. 2012. What is the Threat of Invasive Species? Heinemann-Raintree.
Kaufman, S. R., and W. Kaufman. 2007. Invasive Plants: Guide to Identification and the Impacts and Control of Common North American Species. Stackpole Books.
Kavanagh, J., and R. Leung. 2013. Alien Invaders in Nature: A Folding Pocket Guide to North America’s Most Troublesome Invasive Plants & Animals. Waterford Press Ltd.
Kavanagh, J., and R. Leung. 2009. Invasive Weeds of North America: An Introduction to Problematic Species. Waterford Press Ltd.
Landers, J. 2012. Eating Aliens: One Man’s Adventures Hunting Invasive Animal Species. Storey Books.
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.

Links

IDNR: Invasive Species
http://www.iowadnr.gov/portals/idnr/uploads/education/Natural%20Resources/Forestry%20Resources/invasvs.pdf

US Fish & Wildlife Service: Invasive Species

http://www.fws.gov/invasives/index.html

Release of classroom pets bring more invasive species here

http://greatlakesecho.org/2013/06/17/releasing-class-pets-may-open-a-new-pathway-for-invasive-species/