An "invasive species" is defined as a species that is: non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem and is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.

Hemlock Wooly Adelgid – 1951 into eastern US from western states – prior introduction from Asian cargo in 1920’s. Animals -

Emerald Ash Borer – in cargo from Asia in 2002 – now in KY

European Starling – Introduced in 1890 as part of a plan to introduce to the U.S. all birds mentioned in the works of Shakespeare. House Sparrow too

Zebra Mussel– in Great Lakes in mid 1980’s – came in the ballast tanks of ships as larvae – extremely destructive to water intake and living organisms due to habit of attachment

Plants - Kudzu – 1876 Centenial – widely planted prior to 1930’s for erosion control.

Riparian Zones A riparian zone is a vegetated area (a "buffer strip") near a stream which helps shade and partially protect a stream from the impact of adjacent land uses. It plays a key role in increasing water quality in streams, rivers, and lakes, and provides many environmental benefits.

Provide habitat - Riparian buffers act as crucial habitat for a large number of species, especially those who have lost habitat due to agricultural or urban use. Increase biodiversity - This vegetated area of land near a water source becomes a prime location for species that may have left the area. With this re-establishment the number of native species and biodiversity in general can be increased. Buffers acting as corridors - Buffers also serve a major role in wildlife habitat. The habitat provided by the buffers also double as corridors for species that have had their habitat fragmented by various land uses. Riparian Zone Environmental Benefits

Zone 1. Functions mainly to shade the water source and act as a bank stabilizer. The zone should include large native tree species that grow fast and can quickly act to perform these tasks. Zone 2. Usually made up of native shrubs, this zone provides wonderful habitat for wildlife, including nesting areas for bird species. This zone also acts to slow and absorb contaminants that Zone 3 has missed. The zone is an important transition between grassland and forest. Zone 3. This zone is important as the first line of defense against contaminants. It consists mostly of native grasses and serves primarily to slow water runoff and begin to absorb contaminants before they reach the other zones. Although these grass strips should be one of the widest zones, they are also the easiest to install.

Bush Honeysuckle Japanese Honeysuckle Riparian Invasive Plants

Mimosa or Albesia Alanthus or Tree-of-Heaven

Winter creeper English Ivy Periwinkle

Multiflora Rose Garlic Mustard Air Yam

Japanese Knotweed Burning Bush

Native Riparian Plants Cattails

Sedges

Switchgrass Little Bluestem

Box Elder or Ashleaf Maple Silver Maple Trees

Sycamore

Willows

Elms Cottonwood

Buckeye Spice bush

Cardinal Flower Blue Lobelia Edge Plants

Bidens - Sticktights Swamp Mallow

Swamp Milkweed Button Bush

Virginia Bell Flower

Spotted Jewelweed or Touch-me-not. Also a yellow species. Good remedy for the next plant.

Poison Ivy – leaflets 3, let it be. White berries. Virginia Creeper – 5 leaflets – non poisonous (unless you eat it).

Questions to consider: Why are native species more desirable than invasive species in riparian zones? What can be done to remove invasive species from riparian zones?