I received Wisconsin's "Natural Heritage Conservation Program 2016 Annual Report" (page 10) last week and was pleased to see that the noxious weed Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) has either been eradicated or under control in all known sites. Whew! Much like Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), … [Read more...]
Safeguarding the Nation from Impacts of Invasive Species
President Obama continues his goals to safeguard the environment with his recent Executive Order "Safeguarding the Nation from the Impacts of Invasive Species." This Executive Order amends the original Executive Order 13112 issued by the President Clinton in 1999 and directs actions to continue the … [Read more...]
Salt Cedar Eradication Unanticipated Consequences
Fifteen years ago tamarisk leaf beetles which feed only on salt cedar trees were brought in to help control this invasive species which grows along river banks in the West. The beetles have been so successful, that an unanticipated consequence of this loss of habitat has resulted in endangering the … [Read more...]
Neil Diboll to Speak at Riveredge Nature Center Event
Knee Deep in Prairies held at Riveredge Nature Center in Saukville, Wisconsin on Saturday, August 26, 2016 will be a day of workshops, tours and sessions on prairies, native plants and habitat restoration, and features another one of my favorite people, Neil Diboll of Prairie Nursery. Neil will … [Read more...]
Native Plant Conservation Campaign
In association with the California Native Plant Society, the Native Plant Conservation Campaign and its website promotes the conservation of native plants and their habitats through collaboration, education, and advocacy. It is a network of affiliate native plant societies, botanical gardens and … [Read more...]
Wildfires
In the last 15 years, the US Department of Interior (USDOI) has exceeded its wildfire suppression budget six times. That’s because catastrophic wildfires, which account for only 2 percent of fires, consume 30 percent of budgeted funds for fire suppression. This creates a catch-22 … [Read more...]