Thanks to Della W for sharing the following article from the 3/21/14 issue of The Courant.
Click here to view article.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
2014 Environmental Excellence Award Goes to GPIP!
Glastonbury Partners in Planting (GPIP) has been selected to receive the prestigious Environmental Excellence Award from the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Glastonbury, in recognition of their participation in the outstanding effort and partnership to eradicate bittersweet in Glastonbury's Riverfront Park.
The award announcement letter goes on to say, "This award recognizes the GPIP Battling Invasives Group's efforts to save the trees and habitats of birds in Glastonbury, while educating the public about the invasive species of plants that are killing our native vegetation."
The Award will be presented at the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Audubon Society Center's Earth Fair, themed "In Celebration of Trees" at 12:00 PM on Saturday, April 26, 2014, at the Center located at 1361 Main St., Glastonbury, CT. Click here for more information on the event.
GPIP's Battling Invasives Group is sharing the award with the Town of Glastonbury and Greg Foran, Park Superintendent and Tree Warden, who also partnered on the Riverfront Park effort.
Most importantly the award represents the amazing work done by over 80 volunteers during the course of several work days at the Park, as well as strong community outreach efforts supported by local media including the Glastonbury Citizen, Glastonbury Life, and the Hartford Courant.
Since 1997, the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Glastonbury has awarded the Environment Excellence Award to honor companies, groups and individuals in Glastonbury and surrounding communities who demonstrate responsibility and integrity towards the environment.
The Award will be presented at the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Audubon Society Center's Earth Fair, themed "In Celebration of Trees" at 12:00 PM on Saturday, April 26, 2014, at the Center located at 1361 Main St., Glastonbury, CT. Click here for more information on the event.
GPIP's Battling Invasives Group is sharing the award with the Town of Glastonbury and Greg Foran, Park Superintendent and Tree Warden, who also partnered on the Riverfront Park effort.
Most importantly the award represents the amazing work done by over 80 volunteers during the course of several work days at the Park, as well as strong community outreach efforts supported by local media including the Glastonbury Citizen, Glastonbury Life, and the Hartford Courant.
Since 1997, the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Glastonbury has awarded the Environment Excellence Award to honor companies, groups and individuals in Glastonbury and surrounding communities who demonstrate responsibility and integrity towards the environment.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
National Invasive Species Awareness Week (February 23-28)
From the Weed Science Society of America's 2/10/14 press release:
National Invasive Species Awareness Week is scheduled for February 23-28. And according to experts with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), it’s a topic that deserves our attention. Non-native plants, animals and pathogens can harm humans and the environment and impact our nation’s economy. The damage done by invasive plants alone costs the U.S. an estimated $34.7 billion a year.
Invasive weeds can produce skin irritation, trigger allergies and poison pets and livestock. They can clog waterways, kill native trees, and shade out crops, ornamentals and prized native flora. They are found in every imaginable habitat, including oceans, lakes, streams, wetlands, croplands, rangelands, natural areas, parks, forests, urban environments, yards and gardens.
'Though the impact of invasive species is profound, there are important steps we can take to manage infestations and prevent their spread,' says Lee Van Wychen, Ph.D., director of science policy for the WSSA. 'It all begins with awareness.'
Eight Ways You Can Help:
1. Learn about invasive species, especially those found in your region. Your county extension office (http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/index.html) and the National Invasive Species Information Center (http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/index.shtml) are both trusted resources.
2. Clean hiking boots, waders, boats and trailers, off-road vehicles and other gear to stop invasive species from hitching a ride to a new location.
3. Avoid dumping aquariums or live bait into waterways.
4. Use forage, hay, mulch and soil that are certified as “weed free.”
5. Plant only non-invasive plants in your garden, and remove any known invaders.
6. Report new or expanded invasive species outbreaks to authorities. (See http://www.invasive.org/report.cfm for a state-by-state list of contacts.)
7. Volunteer to help remove invasive species from public lands and natural areas.
8. Ask your political representatives at the state, local and national level to support invasive species control efforts.
About the Weed Science Society of America
The Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific society, was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment. The Weed Science Society of America promotes research, education and extension outreach activities related to weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers, fosters awareness of weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems, and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world. For more information, visit http://www.wssa.net.
National Invasive Species Awareness Week is scheduled for February 23-28. And according to experts with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), it’s a topic that deserves our attention. Non-native plants, animals and pathogens can harm humans and the environment and impact our nation’s economy. The damage done by invasive plants alone costs the U.S. an estimated $34.7 billion a year.
Invasive weeds can produce skin irritation, trigger allergies and poison pets and livestock. They can clog waterways, kill native trees, and shade out crops, ornamentals and prized native flora. They are found in every imaginable habitat, including oceans, lakes, streams, wetlands, croplands, rangelands, natural areas, parks, forests, urban environments, yards and gardens.
'Though the impact of invasive species is profound, there are important steps we can take to manage infestations and prevent their spread,' says Lee Van Wychen, Ph.D., director of science policy for the WSSA. 'It all begins with awareness.'
Eight Ways You Can Help:
1. Learn about invasive species, especially those found in your region. Your county extension office (http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/index.html) and the National Invasive Species Information Center (http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/index.shtml) are both trusted resources.
[enroll for the new Glastonbury Adult Education Invasive Plant course,
2. Clean hiking boots, waders, boats and trailers, off-road vehicles and other gear to stop invasive species from hitching a ride to a new location.
3. Avoid dumping aquariums or live bait into waterways.
4. Use forage, hay, mulch and soil that are certified as “weed free.”
5. Plant only non-invasive plants in your garden, and remove any known invaders.
6. Report new or expanded invasive species outbreaks to authorities. (See http://www.invasive.org/report.cfm for a state-by-state list of contacts.)
7. Volunteer to help remove invasive species from public lands and natural areas.
[stay tuned to www.glastonburyinvasives.org and www.glastonburyinvasives.com
to learn about opportunities to volunteer in Glastonbury!]
8. Ask your political representatives at the state, local and national level to support invasive species control efforts.
About the Weed Science Society of America
The Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific society, was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment. The Weed Science Society of America promotes research, education and extension outreach activities related to weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers, fosters awareness of weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems, and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world. For more information, visit http://www.wssa.net.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
More Good Resources (Including Facebook)
We're continually reaching out to other organizations to form new partnerships and identify resources for invasive plant information and projects in our area. Here are several worth checking out:
Early Detection & Distribution Mapping Systems (www.EDDMapS.org): EDDMapS is a web-based invasive plants mapping system. It's fast, easy to use and doesn't require Geographic Information Systems experience. Smartphones and GPS are helpful but not necessary. There are also some simple and very accurate "low tech" options for the rest of us.
Outsmart Invasive Species Project: This project is sponsored by our neighbors in Massachusetts and also uses EDDMapS. Their site has useful videos on invasives in general and a good explanation of how to sign up for and use EDDMapS.
CT River Invasives YouTube Channel: Outstanding videos on how to identify key invasives. A must-see.
New York State YouTube Channel: More videos and a lot of information on the NY invasives speaker and webinar series.
Invasives on Facebook: You can receive invasive plant updates from the following sources (use your Facebook search to find each page, then click "Like"). If you know of other good invasive plant Facebook pages please let us know via information@gpip.org
Early Detection & Distribution Mapping Systems (www.EDDMapS.org): EDDMapS is a web-based invasive plants mapping system. It's fast, easy to use and doesn't require Geographic Information Systems experience. Smartphones and GPS are helpful but not necessary. There are also some simple and very accurate "low tech" options for the rest of us.
Outsmart Invasive Species Project: This project is sponsored by our neighbors in Massachusetts and also uses EDDMapS. Their site has useful videos on invasives in general and a good explanation of how to sign up for and use EDDMapS.
CT River Invasives YouTube Channel: Outstanding videos on how to identify key invasives. A must-see.
New York State YouTube Channel: More videos and a lot of information on the NY invasives speaker and webinar series.
Invasives on Facebook: You can receive invasive plant updates from the following sources (use your Facebook search to find each page, then click "Like"). If you know of other good invasive plant Facebook pages please let us know via information@gpip.org
- Glastonbury Partners in Planting, Inc.
- Outsmart Invasive Species
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| Let's Work Together To Get Rid Of This Invasive Tree-Strangling Nightmare (photo at Riverfront Park, December 2013, copyright GPIP) |
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Japanese Knotweed: The Concrete-Busting Superweed
During the 2013 GPIP Invasive Plant Walk, our guest speaker Donna Ellis from the UCONN Extension Service cited Japanese Knotweed as the greatest invasive plant threat in our state. That left many of us scratching our heads because every day we see incredible tree damage all around us caused by oriental bittersweet. Donna graciously let us have our say (or perhaps responded to our chanting "oriental bittersweet!!") and wisely conceded the point in the interest of getting out of town alive.
After discovering several videos of Japanese Knotweed damage in the UK, where the infestation is a number of years ahead of us, maybe we should grudgingly agree to a tie as to which invasive plant is the bigger bad actor. Oriental bittersweet may cause far more dramatic and visible tree destruction, but as a future threat Japanese Knotweed is making huge strides and is well poised to do significant property damage.
Japanese Knotweed grows rapidly, up to 3" a day, and is capable of splitting concrete slabs. It grows up through asphalt and is almost impossible to eradicate because it can grow 8 or more feet deep. In its native habitat it grows through volcanic rock (that's how tough this stuff is). The rhizomes can be lie dormant for up to 20 years. If you dig them up and throw them away, a section as long as as 2" can take root and start a new plant. Some experts call it "the terrorist of the weed world."
Matters have become so dire in the UK that it has become a criminal offense to cause the spread of Japanese Knotweed. Violators are subject to stiff fines and up to 6 months in jail. The bill for Japanese Knotweed infestation clean-up at the 2012 Olympics site was in the tens of millions of dollars; without full eradication the weed could do extensive damage to stadiums and other structures at the site. Experiments are underway to determine if importing aphalara itadori (an insect native to Japan that eats the sap of Japanese Knotweed plants) could help slow infestation in the UK.
Do we have Japanese Knotweed in Glastonbury? Absolutely and plenty of it. See photos at the GPIP photo library. Taking action now can make all the difference. Don't wait until the task becomes impossible or the cost of property and infrastructure damage gets our attention. Let's not let the UK (video below) be a preview of our future.
After discovering several videos of Japanese Knotweed damage in the UK, where the infestation is a number of years ahead of us, maybe we should grudgingly agree to a tie as to which invasive plant is the bigger bad actor. Oriental bittersweet may cause far more dramatic and visible tree destruction, but as a future threat Japanese Knotweed is making huge strides and is well poised to do significant property damage.
Japanese Knotweed grows rapidly, up to 3" a day, and is capable of splitting concrete slabs. It grows up through asphalt and is almost impossible to eradicate because it can grow 8 or more feet deep. In its native habitat it grows through volcanic rock (that's how tough this stuff is). The rhizomes can be lie dormant for up to 20 years. If you dig them up and throw them away, a section as long as as 2" can take root and start a new plant. Some experts call it "the terrorist of the weed world."
Matters have become so dire in the UK that it has become a criminal offense to cause the spread of Japanese Knotweed. Violators are subject to stiff fines and up to 6 months in jail. The bill for Japanese Knotweed infestation clean-up at the 2012 Olympics site was in the tens of millions of dollars; without full eradication the weed could do extensive damage to stadiums and other structures at the site. Experiments are underway to determine if importing aphalara itadori (an insect native to Japan that eats the sap of Japanese Knotweed plants) could help slow infestation in the UK.
Do we have Japanese Knotweed in Glastonbury? Absolutely and plenty of it. See photos at the GPIP photo library. Taking action now can make all the difference. Don't wait until the task becomes impossible or the cost of property and infrastructure damage gets our attention. Let's not let the UK (video below) be a preview of our future.
The video below deals with eradication via stem
injection and is at a fairly high technical level:
Friday, November 22, 2013
Japanese Barberry and Lyme Disease
Did you know that you can be up to TWELVE TIMES MORE LIKELY to contract Lyme Disease if there is invasive Japanese barberry on your property? Studies indicate a 12.6 times greater density of deer ticks on property with a high density of Japanese barberry, versus a comparable wooded area with no Japanese barberry. (Source: UConn Extension Forestry Program).
For more information on the studies that have been conducted, risks, and control information see the Cooperative Extension Service's Japanese barberry information site.
Faith Middleton Show: Japanese Barberry and Lyme Disease (barberry segment begins about 25 minutes into sound clip).
Take Lyme Disease seriously. Note serious symptons on CDC information page.
For more information on the studies that have been conducted, risks, and control information see the Cooperative Extension Service's Japanese barberry information site.
Faith Middleton Show: Japanese Barberry and Lyme Disease (barberry segment begins about 25 minutes into sound clip).
Take Lyme Disease seriously. Note serious symptons on CDC information page.
GPIP Presents at CIPWG Meeting
Glastonbury Partners in Planting was invited to speak at the November 20, 2013 meeting of the Connecticut Invasive Plants Working Group. Alan S presented our 2013 oriental bittersweet initiatives, which focused on ways to build a support base and create community partnerships, to control widespread oriental bittersweet infestation. He also discussed our three-level Work Day strategy and hands-on approaches to eradication, suppression and containment (see Work Day Strategies).
We are just at the beginning of our journey but hope the information that was presented will be helpful to other communities as they pursue their own efforts to contain this extremely damaging invasive plant.
We are just at the beginning of our journey but hope the information that was presented will be helpful to other communities as they pursue their own efforts to contain this extremely damaging invasive plant.
Understory Restoration: Mountain Laurel
If you are fortunate enough to have eliminated oriental bittersweet from a wooded area, the next question is, "Now what?" In most cases it is necessary to help mother nature with restoring the understory (the plants that grow under the trees). Doing nothing invites the return of oriental bittersweet, Japanese knotweed, winged euonymous and other aggressive invasives that will take over the understory.
At a recent Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group meeting http://www.cipwg.uconn.edu/ mountain laurel (kalmia latifolia) was suggested by Logan Senack, CT Invasive Plant Coordinator, and several attendees as a good plant to include in an understory restoration effort. Mountain laurel also happens to be the Connecticut state plant.
Mountain laurel is fairly shade tolerant and will grow very well at the sunny edges of a wooded site, where sun-seeking oriental bittersweet typically thrives and gets its start. By increasing the shade to the understory floor mountain laurel can reduce the growth of oriental bittersweet. Mountain laurel will also grow in a wooded grove but growth is less vigorous as tree canopy shade increases.
You may ask, "But bittersweet shades the area too so what's the difference?" The difference is that mountain laurel never grows into the forest canopy for light, so it never shades and kills the trees and all other growth. Mountain laurel provides dappled shade at the understory level and is very compatible with a wide range of other beneficial plants.
Mountain laurel is an excellent repacement for invasive plants like winged euonymous, which has a very dense root system that crowds out other plants.
For more information on mountain laurel go to:
UCONN Plant Information
Broken Arrow Nursery
Dick Jaynes Mountain Laurel YouTube Videos: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
At a recent Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group meeting http://www.cipwg.uconn.edu/ mountain laurel (kalmia latifolia) was suggested by Logan Senack, CT Invasive Plant Coordinator, and several attendees as a good plant to include in an understory restoration effort. Mountain laurel also happens to be the Connecticut state plant.
Mountain laurel is fairly shade tolerant and will grow very well at the sunny edges of a wooded site, where sun-seeking oriental bittersweet typically thrives and gets its start. By increasing the shade to the understory floor mountain laurel can reduce the growth of oriental bittersweet. Mountain laurel will also grow in a wooded grove but growth is less vigorous as tree canopy shade increases.
You may ask, "But bittersweet shades the area too so what's the difference?" The difference is that mountain laurel never grows into the forest canopy for light, so it never shades and kills the trees and all other growth. Mountain laurel provides dappled shade at the understory level and is very compatible with a wide range of other beneficial plants.
Mountain laurel is an excellent repacement for invasive plants like winged euonymous, which has a very dense root system that crowds out other plants.
For more information on mountain laurel go to:
UCONN Plant Information
Broken Arrow Nursery
Dick Jaynes Mountain Laurel YouTube Videos: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
November "Save A Tree" Work Day Successful!
On November 17th a group of 15 highly experienced "Gold Level" bittersweet battlers met at Riverfront Park (with Town approval) to cut vines along the river trail. The trail is south of the drainage swale (which is just south of the new boat house location) and runs along the river toward the water treatment facility behind Town Hall. It is a potentially beautiful trail, referred to by many as one of the hidden gems of Riverfront Park.
This was our first experiment with the newly created "Gold Level" designation, which indicates a participant has been vetted and approved to work on our more challenging bittersweet projects.
If you have strong experience with bittersweet eradication (participating in our 9/28/13 Work Day, for example) and are interested in joining the Gold Level team please drop an e-mail to information@gpip.org briefly outlining your experience. Once approved you will be added to the Gold Level list and notified of Gold Level "Save A Tree" events.
For more information on our Work Day Strategies click on "Strategies."
This was our first experiment with the newly created "Gold Level" designation, which indicates a participant has been vetted and approved to work on our more challenging bittersweet projects.
If you have strong experience with bittersweet eradication (participating in our 9/28/13 Work Day, for example) and are interested in joining the Gold Level team please drop an e-mail to information@gpip.org briefly outlining your experience. Once approved you will be added to the Gold Level list and notified of Gold Level "Save A Tree" events.
For more information on our Work Day Strategies click on "Strategies."
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| First cut vine of the day was a 30+ year old specimen. |
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| The view is slowly improving! |
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| Evelyn versus the vines. |
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| Where's Jan? |
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| Lynn and Wayne work along the river. |
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| Dick G. opens up the trail. |
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| What's going on here?? |
Friday, November 8, 2013
November Bittersweet Journal
November brings a last chance to spot oriental bittersweet because these invasive vines typically hold onto leaves longer than the trees they are strangling. That makes it easy to spot the bittersweet leaves as they turn yellowish green, on a tree that is otherwise bare. Now is a good time to get out and pull the vines, or cut and treat them if you prefer using an herbicide to kill the root system over the winter.
It's also easy to spot yellowing bittersweet leaves against white pines and other evergreens.
November is also a good time to walk any wooded areas to pull or cut and treat small bittersweet vines because they are among the few plants holding leaves. That means they stand out and are easy to spot.
Oriental bittersweet is a perennial so don't make the mistake of thinking the vines "die" in the winter. They're quite alive, with nutrients pulled down the the root system and waiting for spring so they can continue their tree-killing mission.
It's also easy to spot yellowing bittersweet leaves against white pines and other evergreens.
November is also a good time to walk any wooded areas to pull or cut and treat small bittersweet vines because they are among the few plants holding leaves. That means they stand out and are easy to spot.
Oriental bittersweet is a perennial so don't make the mistake of thinking the vines "die" in the winter. They're quite alive, with nutrients pulled down the the root system and waiting for spring so they can continue their tree-killing mission.
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| Small oriental bittersweet vines are easy to spot in early November so this is a good time to walk your property and pull or cut and treat vines as needed.   |
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Land Heritage Coalition (LHC) of Glastonbury
One of the purposes of this blog is to share information about Glastonbury's conservation groups, their conservation activities, and educational events. Increasing awareness of and support for these organizations is a vital part of preserving the natural beauty and resources of our town. For more information on the Land Heritage Coalition go to: http://www.lhcglastonbury.org/
Friday, October 18, 2013
Don't Decorate With Invasive Oriental Bittersweet
With Halloween and the holidays quickly approaching 'tis the season for many Glastonbury residents to add a festive splash of color to their front doors by adding a wreath or other natural decoration. It's also a good time to remind friends and neighbors- don't decorate with oriental bittersweet! The berries will fall from the vines or be carried by birds, spreading the misery of oriental bittersweet investation around town and contributing to the increasing damage and destruction of our trees.And what about those fake plastic oriental bittersweet wreaths? Bad idea. Nope, they don't produce tree-killing plastic vines in the spring but they do spread the popularity and eye-catching appeal of natural bittersweet wreaths. With the abundance of berry-laden vines in town just waiting to become wreaths there will always be folks who haven't yet connected all those dead trees along the Route 3 Putnam Bridge approach to the pretty killer hanging on their front door.
Here's a link to another article on this topic: http://www.telegram.com/article/20071217/NEWS/712170564/1008/NEWS02
Glastonbury Bittersweet Battlers: The Movie!
The moving feel-good story of nearly 80 intrepid volunteers cast away on Bittersweet Isle, fighting for survival against invasive vines! No food, no lights, no motorcars; not a single luxury! Like Robinson Crusoe it's primitive as can be!
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
"Battling Bittersweet" Work Day Exceeds Goals!
Congratulations to the nearly 80 intrepid bittersweet battlers who worked on September 28th at Riverfront Park!
The results exceeded all expectations, with 100% completion of the planned area. Many non-invasive plants were revealed under the vine cover, struggling to survive. They will provide an excellent basis for the restoration of the understory.
In addition to the original work site, a number of battlers moved to the tree nursery and removed bittersweet from the collection of beneficial trees in the nursery that are awaiting replanting in different areas of town (for more information on the tree project CLICK HERE ).
Everyone enjoyed removing vines from the majestic trees and native plants in the work area, knowing they have saved them from a long slow death by bittersweet. It was also a real pleasure to hear the positive comments and appreciation expressed by people using the walking path adjacent to the site.
The highest kudos and thanks to every volunteer, to the Parks and Recreation Department, and to Greg Foran and his crew who helped with vine cutting and worked hard to carefully and sparingly treat the cut stumps of the vines. It was a great day!
The results exceeded all expectations, with 100% completion of the planned area. Many non-invasive plants were revealed under the vine cover, struggling to survive. They will provide an excellent basis for the restoration of the understory.
Everyone enjoyed removing vines from the majestic trees and native plants in the work area, knowing they have saved them from a long slow death by bittersweet. It was also a real pleasure to hear the positive comments and appreciation expressed by people using the walking path adjacent to the site.
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| Above: Just one of the many Work Day debris piles. The rings on many vines indicated over 30 years of growth. We saw enough tree and habitat destruction to believe it! |
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Running Bamboo- New CT Law to Take Effect 10/1/13
Connecticut has enacted a new law regarding running bamboo which includes the following provisions (bold and underline added):
"No person who plants running bamboo or who allows running bamboo to be planted on his or her property shall permit such bamboo to grow beyond the boundaries of his or her property. On and after October 1, 2013, any person who violates the provisions of this subsection shall be liable for any damages caused to any neighboring property by such bamboo, including, but not limited to, the cost of removal of any running bamboo that grew beyond the boundaries of his or her property."
The following is excerpted from an AP release:
The new law creates setbacks from property lines and containment requirements for those who plant the fast-growing plant. It also requires retail sellers to provide information to people who purchase the variety of bamboo, including methods to contain it. The legislation is scheduled to take effect on Oct. 1.
Local zoning enforcement officers and other staff will have the authority to enforce the new restrictions. Failure to comply with the law could result in a $100 fine.
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Other Resources:
CT Senate Bill 1016, Public Act 13-82 (full text of the new law)
WTNH News Report
CT Legislative Research Report
"No person who plants running bamboo or who allows running bamboo to be planted on his or her property shall permit such bamboo to grow beyond the boundaries of his or her property. On and after October 1, 2013, any person who violates the provisions of this subsection shall be liable for any damages caused to any neighboring property by such bamboo, including, but not limited to, the cost of removal of any running bamboo that grew beyond the boundaries of his or her property."
The following is excerpted from an AP release:
The new law creates setbacks from property lines and containment requirements for those who plant the fast-growing plant. It also requires retail sellers to provide information to people who purchase the variety of bamboo, including methods to contain it. The legislation is scheduled to take effect on Oct. 1.
Local zoning enforcement officers and other staff will have the authority to enforce the new restrictions. Failure to comply with the law could result in a $100 fine.
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Other Resources:
CT Senate Bill 1016, Public Act 13-82 (full text of the new law)
WTNH News Report
CT Legislative Research Report
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Mulch and Nursery Stock: Infestation Risks
Two often overlooked sources of oriental bittersweet infestation are mulch and nursery stock. This subject came up at a recent discussion among several Bittersweet Battlers and it was remarkable how common the problem is.
Mulch:
The problem occurs when the mulch being applied to a garden or around trees and shrubs is of low quality and contains "whatever went into the chipper." This can include bittersweet vines with seeds intact. The seeds can survive the chipping process and will appear in the spring as seedlings.
Many property owners allow their landscape or tree service to chip cut wood on site and blow it into a "mulch pile" which is then used around the yard. Any bittersweet berries that were in the debris will cause problems.
Even when bittersweet is disposed of in the brush pile at the landfill, if there are berries on the vines they can end up in the "free mulch" pile after brush is run through the chipper. When that happens the free mulch is no bargain.
Several Bittersweet Battlers have also noted persistent bittersweet infestations that originated in mulched areas on the grounds of commercial properties. This can be a problem when property managers and/or landscape service providers don't spot the infestation or don't know how to identify oriental bittersweet.
You may never quite be sure if your oriental bittersweet came from a passing bird or from infested mulch because mulch is typically spread under trees and shrubs frequented by birds.
The lessons are: Know where your mulch came from, and avoid mulch that was chipped from land clearing debris. Be especially careful of material that was chipped after mid-July. If the chips are from your own property be sure no berry-laden bittersweet goes into the chipper. Use high quality mulch. Poor quality mulch attracts insects and promotes disease. Putting down too much mulch ("mulch volcanos") will ultimately damage trees.
Nursery Stock:
Some nursery growing areas are infested with oriental bittersweet. As a result when plants are dug and balled there can be bittersweet seeds, plants or root segments that can sprout when you plant the tree or shub on your property. As you plant any new tree or shub look for the telltale orange roots of oriental bittersweet and gently pull them loose if you can, without damaging the tree or shrub's root system. Check the new plant periodically for any oriental bittersweet sprouts.
Mulch:
The problem occurs when the mulch being applied to a garden or around trees and shrubs is of low quality and contains "whatever went into the chipper." This can include bittersweet vines with seeds intact. The seeds can survive the chipping process and will appear in the spring as seedlings.
Many property owners allow their landscape or tree service to chip cut wood on site and blow it into a "mulch pile" which is then used around the yard. Any bittersweet berries that were in the debris will cause problems.
Even when bittersweet is disposed of in the brush pile at the landfill, if there are berries on the vines they can end up in the "free mulch" pile after brush is run through the chipper. When that happens the free mulch is no bargain.
Several Bittersweet Battlers have also noted persistent bittersweet infestations that originated in mulched areas on the grounds of commercial properties. This can be a problem when property managers and/or landscape service providers don't spot the infestation or don't know how to identify oriental bittersweet.
You may never quite be sure if your oriental bittersweet came from a passing bird or from infested mulch because mulch is typically spread under trees and shrubs frequented by birds.
The lessons are: Know where your mulch came from, and avoid mulch that was chipped from land clearing debris. Be especially careful of material that was chipped after mid-July. If the chips are from your own property be sure no berry-laden bittersweet goes into the chipper. Use high quality mulch. Poor quality mulch attracts insects and promotes disease. Putting down too much mulch ("mulch volcanos") will ultimately damage trees.
Nursery Stock:
Some nursery growing areas are infested with oriental bittersweet. As a result when plants are dug and balled there can be bittersweet seeds, plants or root segments that can sprout when you plant the tree or shub on your property. As you plant any new tree or shub look for the telltale orange roots of oriental bittersweet and gently pull them loose if you can, without damaging the tree or shrub's root system. Check the new plant periodically for any oriental bittersweet sprouts.
Hartford Courant Publicizes 9/28/13 Work Day
Peter Marteka of The Hartford Courant published an excellent article on the Glastonbury Partners in Planting "Battling Bittersweet" Work Day scheduled for September 28, 2013 at Riverfront park. Thanks Peter!
Link to the article here.
Link to Work Day volunteer registration information here.
Link to the article here.
Link to Work Day volunteer registration information here.
August Invasives Journal
There were three very noticeable developments with Glastonbury's damaging plants as August came to an end:
First, the Japanese knotweed is in full bloom and you can see it along the road in many areas. This is a highly invasive plant (see earlier post on Japanese knotweed, and YouTube video for more info). Here's what to look for in late August and early September:
Next, invasive oriental bittersweet berries are starting to turn from green to orange. If you cut bittersweet vines with berries any time after mid-July be sure to dispose of the vines somewhere the seeds will not germinate and appear in the spring as seedlings. These berries have matured enough to have viable seeds:
Finally, wild grape vine (not an invasive plant but can be destructive to trees) is showing its "tree carpet" appearance in areas where growth is unmanaged:
It's never too late to start managing invasives on your property!
First, the Japanese knotweed is in full bloom and you can see it along the road in many areas. This is a highly invasive plant (see earlier post on Japanese knotweed, and YouTube video for more info). Here's what to look for in late August and early September:
Next, invasive oriental bittersweet berries are starting to turn from green to orange. If you cut bittersweet vines with berries any time after mid-July be sure to dispose of the vines somewhere the seeds will not germinate and appear in the spring as seedlings. These berries have matured enough to have viable seeds:
It's never too late to start managing invasives on your property!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
CT Invasive Plant News: Five Stars!
Everyone interested in learning more about invasive plants and how to deal with them should sign up for the CT Invasive Plant News. It's a "must have" e-mail subscription.
Published by Logan Senack, Connecticut Invasive Plant Coordinator, under the auspices of the UCONN Department of Plant Sciences, CT Invasive Plant News is delivered by e-mail and contains great information and links regarding invasive plants in Connecticut. It also provides information on meetings and seminars on invasive plants, eradication projects, and the latest developments on techniques to fight invasive plants. There is no cost to subscribe.
To sign up, click on the following link and follow the instructions on the CIPWG home page: CT Invasive Plant News Sign-up
Published by Logan Senack, Connecticut Invasive Plant Coordinator, under the auspices of the UCONN Department of Plant Sciences, CT Invasive Plant News is delivered by e-mail and contains great information and links regarding invasive plants in Connecticut. It also provides information on meetings and seminars on invasive plants, eradication projects, and the latest developments on techniques to fight invasive plants. There is no cost to subscribe.
To sign up, click on the following link and follow the instructions on the CIPWG home page: CT Invasive Plant News Sign-up
Monday, August 26, 2013
Berries and Birds
Fall is in the air. The leaves are just beginning to change
color and the bittersweet berries are turning from green to yellow. Soon they’ll burst out of their golden pods
and the bright reddish orange berries will be very eye catching, attracting
some hungry birds as well as some humans who don’t realize how dangerous those
little colorful berries from the choking vines can be to the environment.
Not only do the bittersweet vines kill trees, but they also
displace native plants and ground covers that are much more nutritious for birds. By
removing the many bittersweet vines during our Work Day at Riverfront Park
If you have not yet signed up for the Work Day please go to gpipworkday.blogspot.com and pre-register. The event will be on September 28, 2013 at Riverfront Park.
Do birds need to depend on bittersweet berries as a food
source? Usually not unless it’s an
extraordinarily cold winter and the birds can’t find other more nutritious
berries to eat. Most birds instinctively look for berries that are high in fat
content as well as antioxidants. Bayberry is one of their favorites; it’s like
the Big Mac of plants with 50% fat. Bittersweet berries have very little fat
and practically no antioxidants.
Also, bittersweet berries are solid and not easy for
birds to digest. In fact most of the bittersweet berry is still intact when
it’s excreted from a bird so it re-sprouts elsewhere in the spring. Sadly for the native birds, when it’s very
cold they don’t want to expend a lot of energy foraging for food. So, if they
see that bright red berry they’ll eat it but it’s like us eating a stick of
celery. It doesn’t go far to keep them warm.
It now appears that more and more song birds that rely on
berries and bugs are staying north for the winter. Since most do not frequent
bird feeders, such as the robin, mocking bird, catbird and bluebird, they
constantly search for berries so you might see them eating the bittersweet
berries in desperation.
If it were not for the bittersweet invasion birds would have a far greater variety of much more nutritious food so get rid of the bittersweet and grow plants such as bayberry, elderberry, chokeberry, high bush blueberry, dogwood, winterberry, viburnum and many others (see link on "Other Resouces" page)..
Interestingly,
the 2 most common birds to eat the invasive bittersweet berries are the
European Starling and the English House Sparrow. Both are invasive birds eating
invasive berries!
Thanks to bird lover Ann P for authoring this excellent post!
Thanks to bird lover Ann P for authoring this excellent post!
 |
| Oriental bittersweet berries are a last resort for bluebirds and other winter song birds since the berries have very little nutritional value. |
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Reality Check: Help Needed!
The Glastonbury Partners in Planting "Battling Bittersweet" Group consists of about a dozen volunteers who form the steering committee, and another ten faithful volunteers who have said they'll help as needed. That's it. Glastonbury is a town of about 35,000 people in a 52 square mile area that has a significant oriental bittersweet problem. We are geographically one of the largest towns in the state.
When you do the math it is quickly apparent that even with support from Town authorities we are overwhelmingly outpaced by the growing problem with invasives, especially oriental bittersweet. Continuing at the current number of active volunteers against a rapidly increasing problem will not result in a noticeable difference in terms of reducing damage to trees and beneficial plants.
Our volunteers are happy to do what we can so this isn't a complaint. It's more of a word of caution and warning. More help is needed. This blog outlines some of the ways that could happen.
Somehow there needs to be an effective wake-up call that can rally more support, if enough people in town really want to make a difference. That "want" must translate into many more people taking action.
GPIP advocates a community-wide effort, bringing together interested people and organizations, working to educate residents, and inspiring far more citizens to volunteer to help. More people, better organized.
If you want to help go to www.gpip.org If you want to volunteer for our Work Day on 9/28/13 go to http://gpipworkday.blogspot.com/ If you know influential people in town, ask them how they are helping solve the problem.
If you are reading this blog THANK YOU. It means you care enough to take the time to learn about this problem. If you have not already, please get involved in the solution.
When you do the math it is quickly apparent that even with support from Town authorities we are overwhelmingly outpaced by the growing problem with invasives, especially oriental bittersweet. Continuing at the current number of active volunteers against a rapidly increasing problem will not result in a noticeable difference in terms of reducing damage to trees and beneficial plants.
Our volunteers are happy to do what we can so this isn't a complaint. It's more of a word of caution and warning. More help is needed. This blog outlines some of the ways that could happen.
Somehow there needs to be an effective wake-up call that can rally more support, if enough people in town really want to make a difference. That "want" must translate into many more people taking action.
GPIP advocates a community-wide effort, bringing together interested people and organizations, working to educate residents, and inspiring far more citizens to volunteer to help. More people, better organized.
If you want to help go to www.gpip.org If you want to volunteer for our Work Day on 9/28/13 go to http://gpipworkday.blogspot.com/ If you know influential people in town, ask them how they are helping solve the problem.
If you are reading this blog THANK YOU. It means you care enough to take the time to learn about this problem. If you have not already, please get involved in the solution.
Oriental Bittersweet Berry Ripening Accelerated After Vine Cutting?
A recent (8/14/13) visit to the Riverfront Park Work Day site revealed a remarkable contrast between oriental berry development on vines that were cut a week ago to create site access paths and vines that have not been cut yet.
Berries on uncut vines are slowly turning from a bright lime green to a "pea soup" green as the slow ripening process occurs. The berries will show much greater ripening and color change in September as fall approaches.
But berries on cut vines have quickly ripened, with the shells already opened to reveal bright orange berries!
Berries on uncut vines are slowly turning from a bright lime green to a "pea soup" green as the slow ripening process occurs. The berries will show much greater ripening and color change in September as fall approaches.
But berries on cut vines have quickly ripened, with the shells already opened to reveal bright orange berries!
 |
| Above: Accelerated ripening of berries a week after vine cutting. GPIP photo taken 8/14/13. |
This observation reinforces the need to try to cut vines by mid-July before the berries are capable of ripening, dropping and becoming seedlings in the spring. It also underscores the need for careful vine disposal if mature vines bearing seeds are cut later in the summer because even if the seeds are green when the vine is cut, they can quickly ripen and re-infest the site or the disposal location.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
OMG! Monster Grapevine/Bittersweet Hybrid Discovered?
Is this the new Frankenvine? Have workers at the new boat ramp construction site unwittingly uncovered a prehistoric monster-vine? Or are we just suffering from vine paranoia? YOU be the judge!
 |
| Above: Bizarre hybrid vine discovered at Riverfront Park. After inspecting the vine closely local botanist Itsa Mooringcable, PhD, said, "I'm totally stumped but one thing is for sure, it is what it is." |
What Are Other Communities Doing?
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.
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.
Friday, August 2, 2013
"Landscape Restoration" Glastonbury Style
The Society of Ecological Restoration defines "landscape restoration" as, "assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed." In a global context this can include massive projects such as rainforest restoration and reclamation of large mining sites.
Here in Glastonbury our landscape restoration needs are a bit different! The most widespread and challenging landscape damage is done by invasive plants, with oriental bittersweet being the chief culprit causing extensive tree damage all over town. Loss of trees and loss of light caused by blankets of smothering vines and foliage has degraded, damaged or destroyed the native ecosystem in many infested areas of town.
So "landscape restoration Glastonbury style" consists of identifying plants that are damaging the landscape, properly removing and disposing of them, following up by restoring a more beneficial landscape, and preventing the regrowth of damaging species.
A growing trend in communities facing this challenge is that landscape services and arborists are beginning to offer professional "landscape restoration" services in addition to the usual mowing, edging, tree work, and so on. This is typically offered as a specific add-on service that will prevent or identify and remove invasive plants on a given property.
This trend has yet to emerge in Glastonbury but the need is certainly here, the demand will grow, and the smart companies will educate themselves and take the lead. That may sound overly optimistic but is there anybody who thinks we are not in dire need of more professionals who are qualified and marketing services in this area?
The big question is, "How does the property owner know the service provider is qualified?" Most property owners know very little about invasive plants and are unable to identify them, so they don't even know there is a problem until they see the vines growing up into their trees.
To help customers identify a qualified "landscape restoration" service provider some towns and states have created training and certification programs to educate companies offering landscape restoration services in the necessary plant identification information, legal requirements, removal and disposal procedures, and steps to take after initial removal.
One of the GPIP "Battling Bittersweet" Group's winter activities will be to work with local landscapers, state experts and others to create educational resources and if at all possible, a certification program.
Much of Glastonbury's 52 square miles is managed by landscape companies at the direction of home and landowners. For that reason we are convinced that a big part of controlling landscape damage depends on creating a new partnership between landowners and service providers that will focus on better prevention, identification and control of invasives as well as keeping the grass green and shrubs trimmed.
Landscape companies and arborists interested in helping develop an invasive plant management training and/or certification program are invited to contact Glastonbury Partners in Planting via e-mail at information@gpip.org
Here in Glastonbury our landscape restoration needs are a bit different! The most widespread and challenging landscape damage is done by invasive plants, with oriental bittersweet being the chief culprit causing extensive tree damage all over town. Loss of trees and loss of light caused by blankets of smothering vines and foliage has degraded, damaged or destroyed the native ecosystem in many infested areas of town.
So "landscape restoration Glastonbury style" consists of identifying plants that are damaging the landscape, properly removing and disposing of them, following up by restoring a more beneficial landscape, and preventing the regrowth of damaging species.
A growing trend in communities facing this challenge is that landscape services and arborists are beginning to offer professional "landscape restoration" services in addition to the usual mowing, edging, tree work, and so on. This is typically offered as a specific add-on service that will prevent or identify and remove invasive plants on a given property.
This trend has yet to emerge in Glastonbury but the need is certainly here, the demand will grow, and the smart companies will educate themselves and take the lead. That may sound overly optimistic but is there anybody who thinks we are not in dire need of more professionals who are qualified and marketing services in this area?
The big question is, "How does the property owner know the service provider is qualified?" Most property owners know very little about invasive plants and are unable to identify them, so they don't even know there is a problem until they see the vines growing up into their trees.
To help customers identify a qualified "landscape restoration" service provider some towns and states have created training and certification programs to educate companies offering landscape restoration services in the necessary plant identification information, legal requirements, removal and disposal procedures, and steps to take after initial removal.
One of the GPIP "Battling Bittersweet" Group's winter activities will be to work with local landscapers, state experts and others to create educational resources and if at all possible, a certification program.
Much of Glastonbury's 52 square miles is managed by landscape companies at the direction of home and landowners. For that reason we are convinced that a big part of controlling landscape damage depends on creating a new partnership between landowners and service providers that will focus on better prevention, identification and control of invasives as well as keeping the grass green and shrubs trimmed.
Landscape companies and arborists interested in helping develop an invasive plant management training and/or certification program are invited to contact Glastonbury Partners in Planting via e-mail at information@gpip.org
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