SSL is a MD graduation requirement: 75 hours to earn your diploma SSL is composed of 3 steps: 1. Preparation: what are you doing and why is it necessary? 2. Action: the service 3. Reflection: think and write about your action and what you learned

What is a non-native invasive plant? Why are non-native plants here? Non-Native: Exists in an environment where the species did not evolve. Invasive: Displays rapid growth and spreads quickly over large areas. Brought by mistake in soil, ship ballast, or crop seed Intentionally introduced because they provided: Ornamental landscape material Quick-growing and pest-free erosion control Visual screening and windbreaks Edible food!

Non-Native Plants Native Plants Outcompete native plants for basic necessities for survival Are “immune” to natural controls that exist for native plants – including herbivores, parasites, and pathogens Are aggressive and persistent Are food sources for native wildlife Are host plants for native butterflies Play a vital role in the local ecosystem VS

Native to Japan, Korea, and China Introduced in 1890 to combine with raspberry and blackberry species Has 3 heart-shaped leaves that are white underneath Has deep red hairy stalks

Stiltgrass is native to Japan, Korea, China, Malaysia and India. It is a bright green grass that has silver hairs down the center of its short bamboo-like blade. Stiltgrass invades and alters disturbed soils in sun or shade. In fall, this Asian annual elongates quickly, then produces seed banks which stay viable in the soil for years.

Oriental bittersweet is a deciduous, climbing, woody vine that can grow to lengths of 60 ft. (18.3 m). Prolific vine growth allows it to encircle trees and girdle them. Vines can completely cover other vegetation and shade, out-compete and kill even large trees. It can be dispersed widely and quickly due to birds eating the berries and spreading the seeds. Remove by cutting the vine and pull up the roots DO NOT PULL THE VINE DOWN!!!

Native to Europe Introduced in 1860 by humans for food and medicinal purposes Leaves are triangular to heart- shaped, and give off an odor of garlic when crushed Small white flowers each have four petals in the shape of a cross

GARLIC MUSTARD SWEET CICELY – DON’T PULL!

GARLIC MUSTARD EARLY SAXIFRAGE DON’T PULL!

GARLIC MUSTARD TOOTHWORT DON’T PULL!

Pull EVERY invasive plant in your group's area Leaving one plant is like sowing a hundred seeds Make sure to get the roots Grab the plant low on the stem and wiggle to loosen the roots When a wineberry branch droops over and hits the ground, it often re-roots – watch for multiple root systems! Pile invasives in one location Brush piles will provide shelter for small mammals and ground-dwelling birds

Poison Ivy

1. What did you do? 2. How does it help the environment? 3. How will you share what you learned and continue your action with your family, community, and school? 4. What did you learn about yourself in the process?