Located at Folsom Library, the SHLT Bookshelf provides a wealth of information on the environment, working landscapes, and local history. The bookshelf was created in memory of Bob and Ginny Swanson for their dedication and generosity to South Hero Land Trust and the South Hero community. It provides a fantastic opportunity to become more aware of issues that face South Hero and the world around us. The SHLT Community Bookshelf provides reading for both children and adults- stop by Folsom Library and check out a book!

Invasive, Non-Native Plants and Animals: What you can do to limit the spread of nuisance species

South Hero and the Islands are very fortunate to have a diverse mix of plants and animals inhabiting our forests, fields, wetlands, and waterways. Increasingly, however, certain species of invasive, non-native flora and fauna are threatening to crowd out native species from their natural habitat. Invasive refers to a species' ability to spread aggressively and out-compete other plant and animal species for food, sunlight and space. Non-native or exotic species are those plants and animals that have no historical presence in a region and were brought here by humans (either on purpose or accidentally). Most non-native species don't have the invasiveness trait, but the ones that do are posing a serious threat to diverse landscapes around the world. Native vegetation often has trouble competing with these aggressive plants and animals for the resources they need to stay alive and healthy.

The following is a partial list of invasive, non-native plant species that the State of Vermont and The Nature Conservancy have deemed troublesome to the point of placing them under a State quarantine. The Noxious Weed Quarantine regulates the "importation, movement, sale, possession, cultivation, and/or distribution of certain invasive plants." Some of the more common plants to watch out for are:

• Japanese honeysuckle
• Purple loosestrife
• Buckthorn
• Phragmites
• Eurasian watermilfoil
• Oriental bittersweet
• Goutweed
• Flowering rush
• Water Chestnut
• Japanese knotweed
• Garlic Mustard

* Be aware that some of these plants, including Phragmites and honeysuckle, have native counterparts that are not considered a threat to biodiversity. Check with a local gardening expert or naturalist to make sure you know what species of plant you're dealing with.

The complete list of invasive exotics under quarantine can be found at www.state.vt.us/agric/invasive.htm or by calling the Agency of Agriculture. See below links that include more information and photographs.

The plants listed above were introduced to this region by humans in most cases. Numerous aquatic non-native species found their way here on boats, while land dwelling species were often, and in some cases still are, planted in gardens and lawns as ornamental plants. Many non-native plants and animals have no natural predators to keep their populations in check, thus leading to the invasiveness trait that concerns land managers. Fortunately, there are actions the public can take to minimize the negative impacts of invasive exotic species. Consider the following:

• Use native plants (or ornamentals that are known not to be invasive) in your gardens and lawns. Doing this will limit the possibility of seed dispersal to other, perhaps more sensitive, areas.
• Thoroughly wash off your boat when it comes out of the water. This will help minimize the risk of distribution of invasive plants and animals- especially if the boat is going to be transported to other waterways.
• Never release aquarium plants and animals into the wild. Fanwort and Eurasian watermilfoil are two popular aquarium plant species that are presently choking waterways throughout the country.
• Make sure you know what species you're dealing with and how to approach removal efforts. You can see photographs, find out more about the differences between native and non-native species, and reference suggested removal techniques at one of the following:

www.vtinvasiveplants.org (VT Invasive Exotic Plant Committee)
www.newfs.org/conserve/index.htm ( New England Wildflower Society)
www.tncweeds.ucdavis.edu (The Nature Conservancy)
www.invasiveplants.net ( Cornell University )

South Hero Land Trust and several other organizations offer volunteer opportunities for people interested in helping out with invasive exotic removal efforts. Give SHLT a call at 372-3786 .