August brought another month full of invasive species challenges on the land and in the water. From swallow-wort in the Pine Barrens, to chaff flower in Brooklyn, and water chestnut pulls in between, the LIISMA team tackled the highest priority invasive species in the region.
At the start of the month, Melody led three NYC Parks interns in emerging invasive species identification and iMapInvasives training. After reviewing invasive yam (Dioscorea polystachya), floating water primrose (Ludwigia peploides), and yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata), the crew was ready to look for emerging invasive species across the city. Later on, Melody met with NYC Parks staff to make plans for managing chaff flower (Achyranthes japonica) near Owl’s Head Park. We are grateful to NYC Parks for looking for and responding to these high-priority, Tier 2 invasive species.
Meanwhile in the Pine Barrens, Kassidy led the team in managing swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum rossicum) at Otis Pike State Forest. After several years of management, the team noticed that the managed patch was less dense with small oak saplings and native forbs growing in amongst the twining vines. Later this season LIISMA will plant additional native shrubs in this area to aid restoration in this forest understory. Nearby at Sandy and Linus Ponds, the LIISMA team worked with Suffolk County Parks and NYSDEC Region 1 to manage emerging stands of phragmites (Phragmites australis) at state-threatened coastal plain pond shores. This amazing crew spaded and removed nearly 3,000 stems across both ponds in one day, making way for the unique native plants, including St. John’s Worts, bladderworts, and pipeworts, to thrive.
Working with NYSDEC Region 1 Fisheries, LIISMA participated in the final water chestnut (Trapa natans) pull of the season at Massapequa Preserve. Working as a team in waders, the team pulled and pushed massive piles of water chestnut across the pond to remove it offsite. With repeated annual control that prevents these plants from setting seed, populations are gradually declining, protecting the health of the waterbody. Elsewhere in the water, the LIISMA team confirmed new populations of floating water primrose in Fresh Pond, Fort Salonga, and is working with landowners to coordinate management of this invasive aquatic species.
Always keen on learning more about emerging invasive species, the team took the trek to Southampton to see the town’s management progress on asian jumpseed (Persicaria filiformis) and chameleon plant (Houttuynia cordata). With hand removal, the Community Preservation Fund is working to get ahead of these species while populations are still small. Later in Huntington, the team surveyed for previously reported water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes), and found a small population in a pond. To round out the surveying, the team visited four more assigned kudzu (Peuraria montana) locations in Suffolk County, monitoring previously managed areas and removing root crowns in the process.
If you passed by Sunken Meadow State Park this month, you might have seen a squad of ecologists peering at the trees. Thanks to the coordination efforts of the NYSDEC Bureau of Invasive Species & Ecosystem Health, LIISMA joined a laurel wilt learning tour, welcoming professionals from neighboring states and agencies to get a firsthand look at this beetle-spread fungus that affects sassafras and spicebush. With discussions on redbay ambrosia beetle behavior, symptoms in sassafras, and the monitoring efforts underway, participants left prepared with the tools to identify and respond to Laurel Wilt in the event it pops up in their region. Learn more about the Laurel Wilt Quarantine and how you can help.
Finally, we said a bittersweet farewell this month to our intern, Matt Stanton! Matt was a huge help in all things LIISMA this summer, from making maps in GIS, meticulously documenting native and invasive species, communicating with partners on emerging species, and of course hands-on help in all of our management projects. Matt continues his Master’s studies at CUNY Queens this fall, and we wish him all the best!
