The month of September brought into focus several of LIISMA’s important projects in conservation areas and emerging invasive species– from the beaches of Fire Island to the ponds of Suffolk County.
Working with our partners at the National Parks Service, the LIISMA team was fortunate to tour the Fire Island National Seashore. There, projects have been underway to control invasive sand sedge (Carex kobomugi) which threatens dune habitats on Long Island. NPS’s efforts have largely been successful over many years, with focus now on controlling small emerging populations of the sedge. We are grateful for their work in protecting the unique habitats of Fire Island, including the critically imperiled maritime pitch pine dune woodland community, from the impacts of invasive species.
At the Carmans River, LIISMA staff teamed up with the Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI) for surveying and seed collection. As with previous year’s visits, we thankfully did not detect any floating water primrose (Ludiwigia peploides) in the river, though it thrives in nearby water bodies. We also confirmed the identity of smartweed plants growing along the riverbanks as the native stout dotted smartweed (Persicaria robustior). LINPI staff were able to collect seed for propagation from species like swamp milkweed and chokeberry to promote native plants across the island.
We returned to one of our favorite sites, Long Pond, for phragmites management with the Southampton Community Preservation Fund. Aided by the higher water levels this year, our crew found only 10 phragmites stems in the center stand we had previously managed with underwater cutting. Along the way we enjoyed the sights of native plants like water shield (Brasenia schreberi) and buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis).
Later in September, we dove into emerging invasive species work. With the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, we helped look for a cyanobacteria (Aetokthonos hydrillicola) that can grow in association with the aquatic invasive plant hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata). This cyanobacteria has not been detected in LIISMA before, and we hope for good reports when we get the results back next year. Thanks to NYSDEC Invasive Species Coordination Section for coordinating the survey effort.
We thank our partners at Rechler Equity for continuing control of small carpet grass (Arthraxon hispidus) at a Hampton Bays property, and for the work of Suffolk County Parks in mowing this invasive grass at Montauk County Park.
Lastly, the LIISMA team began assisting the NYSDEC Kudzu Control Team in monitoring and manually managing the invasive vine, kudzu (Pueraria montana). Keep an eye out for the broad, three-lobed leaves and purple flowers this time of year, and let us know if you see this vine in new places!
