In September, the LIISMA Team hit the ground running with many early detection and rapid response projects, made possible with the help of partners.
First, the team visited Caumsett State Park, traversing the long trails to arrive at an area with hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta). For some of the staff, it was our first time seeing this climbing, smothering vine. Fortunately this plant is believed to be a male, meaning that no fruits are present that would aid in secondary spread. Later on, we visited Coffin Woods in Syosset to follow up on a report of plume poppy (Macleaya cordata). While it was previously controlled, the team did find a mature individual at the site, towering above our heads.
Breaking out the kayaks, the team visited Long Pond with Juliana Quant and Jacqueline Fenlon of the Southampton Community Preservation Fund. Together, we manually cut 270 stems of phragmites growing on a floating water-lily mat in the center of the pond, noting that the fitness of the stems was greatly reduced in this third year of management.
We are grateful to Suffolk County Parks and Rechler Equities for staying on top of small carpet grass (Arthraxon hispidus) management at the end of the summer. After sharing management recommendations, we traveled to the Montauk “miracle mile” at Montauk County Park to meet with Vicki Bustamante and Ed Johann of the Third House Nature Center and Mike Kommer of Suffolk County Parks to point out Arthraxon for mowing, and the rare grasses to avoid. Together, we hope to contain this annual grass to the two known populations in the region and eventually eradicate it.
Lastly, we appreciate the work of Nassau County Parks in controlling giant reed (Arundo donax) at Cammans Pond County Park. This wetland-loving perennial grass can grow up to 20 feet tall, and so far our region only has two known observations of it. Being able to control this plant before it spreads is a major win for the region. We look forward to monitoring this site, and hope to replant the area with native grasses in the future.
