Benefits of Invasive Species Removal
What is an invasive species?
An invasive plant species is a plant that has been introduced to an area after colonization. Some invasive species have been naturalized to the area and they live among the natives but some invasive species disrupt ecosystems, threaten native species, damage agriculture, or spread disease.
Why are they harmful?
Invasive species are harmful because they disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and can cause damage that is hard to reverse. Here are the main reasons:
Competition with native species: Some species grow faster, spread aggressively, and can take over an area stealing precious sunlight, water, and soil nutrients from native species.
Reduce biodiversity: When invasive species take over an area, they can create monocultures, which reduces the biodiversity and variety for native plants that wildlife may depend on.
Alter habitats: Some species can change how the ecosystem functions. For example, they can dry up wetlands, change fire cycles, or block water flow.
Harm wildlife: Native animals may not be able to eat the invasive or even poison them.
Land management: They can increase the land management costs for cities, farmers, and conservation groups by requiring constant removal and maintenance.
Rapid growth and hard to control: Many invasive species can reproduce rapidly and can reestablish even after removal.
How did they get here?
Invasive species usually arrive to new places through humans, either on purpose or by accident. Here are the main ways they got here:
Ornamental planting: Many invasive plants were brought in for landscaping because they looked pretty or grew fast (like the Brazilian peppertree).
Agriculture and forestry: Some plants were planted as crops but later spread beyond farms and forests.
Accidental introduction: Seeds can hitchhike in imported soil, packing materials, shipping containers, or stuck on clothing.
Storms and natural spread: Once introduced, storms, birds, and water currents help spread them further.
What are some examples?
These photos were taken at the Folly Farm Nature Preserve. What you're looking at is a jungle of invasive species that have taken over the preserve. There are invasive ferns, alocasias, and the most prominent at Folly Farm, the Carolina Willow.
Gary Sawtelle, Director at Folly Farm Nature Preserve
Why do we remove them?
We remove invasive plants because they can cause serious harm to the environment, people, and even the economy if left uncontrolled. These plants grow quickly and outcompete native species, reducing food and shelter for wildlife and upsetting the balance of ecosystems. By removing them, we help restore native habitats like wetlands and forests, protect biodiversity, and prevent invasive plants from spreading into new areas where they would be even harder to manage like the Folly Farm Natural Preserve.
Taking action early not only protects nature but also saves money in the long run, while supporting healthier communities and ecosystems for people and wildlife. Join us at the Folly Farm Nature Preserve on October 4th to help remove invasive plants and restore a beautiful wetland in the heart of Safety Harbor!
