National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is an international event to raise awareness about invasive species, their threat, and what can be done to prevent their spread.
Invasive species, if left uncontrolled, can and will limit land and water use now and into the future. What do we try to control here in Johnston? Garlic mustard, bush honeysuckle and multiflora rose are invasive species we remove from Johnston’s woodlands. If we ignore the problem, the harder and more expensive the battle for control will become.
Invasive species impact everyone within our community. When not monitored or controlled, invasive species can cause harm to our economy, environment, or human health.
Invasive plant species are non-native plants that cause environmental harm by aggressively out-competing native species. They can be devastating to the long-term health and biodiversity of our native woodlands understory. Besides the shade and tranquility of woodland, it provides many benefits, including; early spring flowers, stormwater capture, wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and cleaner water and air!
Stay tuned to learn how you can participate in the city's Earth Trash Bash event and join in our local effort to take out invasives and make a difference! The Trash Bash event will take place on Friday, April 22.
Click here (PDF) to view the signed proclamation. The photo below is Mayor Paula Dierenfeld and Parks and Recreation Director John Schmitz with Virginia Soelberg to accept the proclamation.
