Invasive exotic plant species are non-native plants that spread uncontrollably when introduced into natural ecosystems. Not all exotic or non-native species are invasive and invasive plants, which spread aggressively, are not necessarily exotic. Plants that are both invasive and exotic cause ecological damage and economic problems including:
- Competition with native plants for resources like water, light, and nutrients
- Replacement of complex forest communities with single species mono-cultures
- Impacts on wildlife such as altered food sources and habitats
- Interference with essential ecosystem functions such as water filtration, fire regime, and nutrient cycling
- Diminished ability of native ecosystems to sustain economic activities like forestry, fishing and agriculture
- Reduced aesthetic value of a naturally diverse landscape
Some species are deliberately introduced because they are thought to have value for wildlife, horticulture, or agriculture; others are accidentally imported in cargo or ships' ballast waters.
Once established, these species are spread by water, wind and animals, but seeds can also be transported on the shoes, clothing, and equipment of Trail users. It is important to educate yourself about how recreational activities can contribute to the proliferation of invasive species.
Monitoring invasive species along the Appalachian Trail serves several objectives:
- Informing managers about the size and composition of existing infestations which helps prioritize control efforts
- Allowing managers to identify new infestations of problem species and act rapidly to limit their impacts on rare or sensitive native species
- Raising public awareness and support to address the issue
- Evaluating the effectiveness of control efforts after a project is completed
MONITOR AND FIGHT INVASIVE SPECIES ON A.T. LAND
The ATC Volunteer Program The ATC relies heavily on volunteers to help monitor and control invasive exotic plants along the A.T. Each year, several workshops are held to educate people about these species and how volunteers can help address the problem. The ATC has adopted an inventory protocol modeled after the reporting guidelines on the Early Detection and Distribution Mapping Systems (EDDMapS) website. This system is volunteer friendly and allows the ATC to collect and share data with all of its partners. The ATC provides data sheets and data sheet guides to people who wish to conduct an independent inventory on the A.T. using this protocol.
to learn about volunteer opportunities near you.
The Invasive Plant Atlas of New England
The Invasive Plant Atlas of New England is a joint effort of the University of Connecticut, New England Wild Flower Society and the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. This consortium uses citizen scientists to collect, analyze, and provide information on invasive plant locations throughout New England: you can request to survey an area through which the A.T. passes. Volunteer information as well as data are displayed on the IPANE Web site.
Southern Appalachian Cooperative Weed Management Partnership (SACWMP)
SACWMP is a partnership of public and private organizations working cooperatively to protect and restore the significant natural heritage of the Southern Appalachians by preventing, detecting, and controlling invasive exotic plants. Partners, including the ATC, hold several workshops each year to train volunteers on how to identify, monitor, and control invasive exotic plants along the A.T.
Report an Infestation
Report an invasive plant infestation along the A.T. ATC Invasive Exotic Plant Monitoring Datasheet Guide
ATC Invasive Exotic Plant Monitoring Datasheet
ONLINE RESOURCES
Early Detection and Distribution Mapping Systems Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
Playing Smart Against Invasive Species Video
A Field Guide for the Identification Non-native Invasive Plants of Southern Forests
A Management Guide for Invasive Plants in Southern Forests