Why Does Acton Have Conservation Land?

• Preserve Species and Habitats
• Preserve Natural Beauty
• Protect Water Supplies

Invasive Plants threaten all of these!

What are Invasive Plants?

• Few or no enemies
• Spread quickly in native plant systems
• Become dominant or disruptive.
• Cause economic and environmental harm

Where Do Invasive Plants Come From ?

• Brought in from other continents.
• Introduced on purpose for farming or landscaping.
• Introduced by accident from bilge water or tropical fish tanks.
• Transported too fast for natural enemies and competitors.

Why do people buy and plant invasives?

• Hardy
• Early and fast growth
• Grow in a wide variety of habitats
• Spread quickly

The same factors that make these plants popular, also makes them invasive!

What Invasives are on Acton Public Lands?

(have pictures & text about plants & text about locations here)

What can be done about Invasive Plants?

• Pick them
• Smother them
• Herbicides
• Biological controls

Which methods work with which plants in which situations?
Depends on:

• How large the invasion
• Volunteer time and energy vs. Money for professionals
• Habitat - Example: wetlands requires special care
• Goals for site

(include chart on treatment approaches)

Who is Working on Invasive Plant Issues in Acton?

• Many homeowners and landscapers working individually
• New efforts on conservation land, via Acton Land Stewardship Committee
• Just starting on education and planning
• First large action will be Norway Maple removal in the Acton Arboretum

How can I help?

• Educate yourself - Stop Planting Invasives
• help with planning or work teams - sign up below!

For more information please contact:

Jim Snyder-Grant
Acton Land Stewardship Committee
978 266-9409
jimsg 'at' newview 'dot' org