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/

 

 

 

The Great American Backyard Campout is June 22^nd

This weekend connect with nature and your kids by participating in the National Wildlife Federation sponsored Great American Backyard Campout!

Backyard camping is the perfect way to introduce children to camping: it is familiar yet different enough to be exciting, you remain close to home if mishaps should arise, you are creating memories that will last a lifetime, supplies and a change of clothes are close at hand, and it is a great way to connect with your backyard and each other!

Are you an educator who wants to participate in the Great American Backyard Campout with your students? Did you know you can create a team and register through the NWF? (Families can register too!) Can’t actually go camping? How about faux camping on the school grounds during the day? Set up tents, explore the school grounds (or your backyard), cook outdoors, tell stories and have FUN!

Camping & Nature Exploration Books

Arnosky, J. 1997. Bird Watcher. Random House Children's Books.
Arnosky, J. 1997. Bug Hunter. Random House Children's Books.
Boring, M. 1999. Fun with Nature. T&N Children's Publishing.
Boring, M. and L. Evert. 2001. More Fun with Nature. Northword Press.
Bosselaar, L., and E. Hiestand. 2000. Urban Nature: Poems About Wildlife in the City. Milkweed Editions.
Capogna, V.V. 1999. Did You Ever Wonder about Things You Find in Your Backyard? Marshall Cavendish Inc.
Carlson, L.M. and J. Dammel. 1995. Kids Camp!: Activities for the Backyard or Wilderness. Chicago Review Press, Incorporated.
Ching, J. 2000. Camping: Have Fun, Be Smart. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Drake, J. and A. Love. 1998. Kids Campfire Book. Kids Can Press, Limited.
Eckart, E. 2003. I Can Go Camping. Children's Press.
Leopold, A. 1989. A Sand County Almanac. Oxford University Press.
Leslie, C. 2003. Keeping a Nature Journal. Storey Publishing.
Love, D. 1997. Backyard Camp-out Book. HarperCollins Publishers.
Muir, J. 1997. John Muir: Nature Writings. Penguin Group.
Paolilli, P. and D. Brewer. 2001. Silver Seeds: A Book of Nature Poems. Viking.
Ruurs, M. 2004. When We Go Camping. Tundra.
Ryder, J., and D. Nolan. 1990. Under Your Feet. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Thoreau, H. 2004. Walden. Houghton Mifflin Books.
White, K.L. 2006. Cooking in a Can. Gibbs Smith.
Winner, C. 2006. Kids Gone Campin': The Young Camper's Guide to Having More Fun Outdoors. Creative Publishing International, Incorporated.
Yolen, J. and J. Stemple. Color Me a Rhyme: Nature Poems for Young People. Boyds Mills Press.

Camping Links

NWF: Great American Backyard Campout
http://www.nwf.org/great-american-backyard-campout.aspx

IDNR: Camping Tips and Recipes

http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CampingFacilityRentals/CampingTipsRecipes.aspx

NWF: Camping Tips, Recipes, Songs and More

http://www.nwf.org/Great-American-Backyard-Campout/Get-Ready.aspx

IDNR Pinterest (Camping recipes and more!)
http://pinterest.com/iowadnr/

 

 

New!! Updated Children’s Book Lists on the IDNR Education web pages!!


Check out the NEW updated children’s book lists on the IDNR Education web page! Also included are books for parents and educators. Newly added subjects include FISHING, CAMPING, SCHOOL GARDENS, and MORE! Subjects are broken down by age when appropriate. To access our new book lists visit the main IDNR Education web page at: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Education.aspx

Education page > For Teachers > Classroom Resources > scroll to bottom of page > Children’s Book Lists

Have a fun, OUTDOOR, reading summer!!