We are not alone................
As GPIP researches ways to wage the oriental bittersweet war and stop tree damage in Glastonbury we have contacted, and been contacted by representatives of other like-minded groups in other communities faced with the same problem.
The good news is that an increasing number of communities are discussing the problem. Some are actively attacking it. The bad news? We are among a very small minority. Most towns are doing little to nothing. That will change; there is little choice but to act, or face massive tree and native vegetation loss in the years ahead.
Here are a few links (click on the town name) to other communities and what they're doing:
Asheville, NC: Asheville Greenworks is one of the best role models in the country, with a very active and enthusiastic community base that has joined together to battle invasive plants.
Aspetuck Land Trust : Land trust organization focusing on Easton, Weston, Westport, Fairfield, CT.
Denville, NJ: The Protect Our Wetlands, Water and Woods is a large, active volunteer organization that sponsors community-wide action.
Litchfield County, CT: The Mad Gardeners organization is a major driver of invasive control projects in Litchfield County.
Mansfield, CT: The Mansfield Parks and Recreation Department oversees the "Friends of Mansfield Parks," an organization that empowers and educates individuals and organizations to preserve, restore, and protect native plant and animal communities of Mansfield; to promote quality stewardship, and to inspire people to act with conservation values and environmental ethics. The Natural Areas Volunteers (NAV) is Mansfield's volunteer corps that includes stewards, co-stewards, workday volunteers, and wildlife monitors. These volunteers help to restore and maintain Mansfield's parks/preserves.
Plainville, CT: Looking for volunteers to help clear bittersweet and other invasives.
Norfolk, CT: We have established an informal information-sharing effort with the Conservation Commission in Norfolk. Take a look at their web site and their very innovative "Invasive Plant Exchange" program, where residents can pull up and swap certain invasive plants for more beneficial native plants.
Southington, CT: Town walking tour to come up with a plan to tackle invasive plants on town land.
