1. Exploring the spread of invasive plants- The Hydrilla Game
Laura Schendel- Outdoor Educator

3. What makes an organism an Invasive Species?
Not native to the area
Has no natural predators
Outcompetes the native species for resources
Reduces biodiversity

4. Allow for biodiversity
Plants in Florida
4000 species
3000 NATIVE
1000 Non- Native
Provide food & shelter
Allow for biodiversity
Cause no harm
INVASIVE

6. Invasive Island Apple Snails

7. Hygrophila polysperma

8. Why should we control invasive species?
Harm Caused by Invasive Species to
Ecology
Economy
Health
Invasive plants are interfering with navigation on Florida’s lakes and rivers. They’re blocking flood control devices and bridges, harboring mosquitoes, creating fire pathways to tree tops, tangling electrical lines, and generally being a nuisance or even dangerous for boaters, swimmers, hikers and homeowners.

9. Harm to Ecology
42% of threatened or endangered species at risk primarily due to invasive species. Invasive species are 2nd leading cause for endangered species (1st is loss of habitat)
Reduces biodiversity and ecosystem stability; changes a field to forest; alters fire regimes.
Biodiversity exists when species growth is controlled by natural factors such as:
Competition with other native species
Diseases
Feeding by insects and other animals

10. The Hydrilla Game ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
 What is hydrilla and where is it found?
 How does it get from one location to another?
 What are hydrilla’s potential impacts on the ecosystems it inhabits?
SCIENCE SUBJECTS: Biology, botany, earth science, ecology, environmental science, integrated science
GRADE LEVEL: 5th grade, Middle School, High School and even adults
Hydrilla verticillata

11. Free materials and Lesson Plans

13. Plant Camp For Teachers