An article in the Homer, AK news, Beauty only stem deep for these invasive weeds caught my eye the other day. It discussed two new invasive weed species that had taken hold in Alaska recently--the first to be noted on the Kenai Peninsula--but also mentioned that this week (February 25 to March 2) is National Invasive Weeds Awareness Week.
As most of us are aware, invasive weeds pose a serious threat to the ecosystem. They grow quickly and out-compete native plants in the race for resources such as water and light. One of the invasive weeds mentioned in the Homer News article is bull thistle, which has been recorded on every continent except Antarctica. While it’s not certain how it was introduced into the ecosystem on the Kenai Peninsula, it probably arrived as a contaminant in imported forage according to the article.
A week-long conference is scheduled in conjunction with National Invasive Weeds Awareness Week as well, and will cover proposed legislation such as the National Weed Control and Eradication Act and the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act, as well as USDA Invasive Species Coordinator contact information and a summary of success stories from around the country.
To learn more about National Invasive Weeds Awareness Week visit their website.