LIISMA and partners are making progress on education, outreach, and management of Arthraxon hispidus. Also known as small carpet grass, arthraxon is a high priority (Tier 2) and high impact invasive plant that is known to occur in only two locations on Long Island – one at Montauk County Park and the other at Gabreski Airport in Westhampton.
Arthraxon is encroaching on more than a dozen state endangered, threatened, and rare species, as well as a species previously believed to be extirpated from the state.
Beginning in October, landscapers with Rechler Equity Partners began hand pulling the arthraxon infestation in Westhampton, removing approximately 95% of this year’s plants. This will greatly reduce the number of seeds that would otherwise grow and spread arthraxon. We greatly appreciate Rechler’s help. This work will continue until the seed bank is worn out, which may be 3 to 5 years or more.
In Montauk, the Third House Nature Center has installed an invasive species interpretive sign at Montauk County Park. The sign is designed to increase awareness of arthraxon and other invasive species on the Montauk Peninsula. Third House developed the sign with design assistance from LIISMA and funding by the Environmental Protection Fund as administered by NYSDEC. LIISMA distributed this funding through a subcontract program. The addition of a boot brush station is planned. The date of an official sign unveiling will be announced soon. Special thanks to Suffolk County Parks for their support. Special thanks also to Vicki Bustamante, Ed Johann, and volunteers of the Third House Nature Center. Design and illustrations were provided by Jackie Briggs, Graphic Designer.
LIISMA is asking partners and community members to be on the lookout for this highly invasive annual grass. The plant stands up to 1.5 ft. tall with oval to lance-shaped leaves. Leaves are 1 to 3 in. long, 0.2 in. wide, and have heart shaped bases. The leaf margins have conspicuous hairs. Arthraxon inhabits wet areas such as stream banks, flood plains, and shorelines.
Bill Jacobs, Abby Bezrutczyk, and Melody Penny are leading the early detection and response (EDRR) effort for LIISMA.
