Exotic plants-The Marian Banks Nature Trail is home to many invasive plants common to the New England area. Although these plants are beautiful and some provide food and shelter to New England's native species, their presences brings up a very controversal topic in environmental issues.       (Japanese Knotweed, originally from Asia)

A Common Question...

"Why does it matter if you introduce a new species to an ecosystem. Isn't it good to increase biodiversity?"

Although biodiversity is GOOD, these are ideas to consider…

• Exotic species can prey on native species which have no natural defense against their new invaders, thereby decreasing native populations.
• Exotic species can also degrade soil or increase erosion within environments not adapted to their needs.
• Exotic species can also out compete the native species for essential resources like food, water or sun, decreasing biodiversity.
• Exotic species can also introduce exotic bacteria or viruses that many kill many of the native species. (example: the Dutch elm disease was brought over by an exotic species)

Some misconceptions and ethical ideas...

• Only a very small percentage of introduced species actually become invasives. Most dies out immediately following introduction because the environmental conditions are not right for them.
• Some people believe that dispersal of species is part of nature. For example, humans have disperse throughout the world.
• Ethically, some people objective to the removing of invasive species, especially when the invasive species is an animal and the removing of the species is done by killing it.
• We live in a "dynamic earth" which is forever changing over time. Some believe it does not matter if we change an ecosystem because it's always naturally evolving.

If you have questions about exotic/invasive plants, check out these websites. They are great!

• Noxious Weeds, and Exotic and Invasive Plant Management Resources
• Noxious Weeds Home Page