Phragmites australis is an aggressive, non-native grass which threatens the biological integrity of The Ridges. It spreads rapidly by underground rhizomes, very similar to species like quackgrass but much more extensive. Phragmites can form solid stands and crowd out native vegetation in large areas along shorelines and in wetlands.The Ridges has been using various measures to control the spread of this plant in the Sanctuary.
More information about Phragmites can be found here.
To learn more about control measures of Phragmites, download A Comparison of Phragmites australis Control Measures in Wisconsin Coastal Wetlands (448KB PDF) by Devany Plentovich of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Environmental Science and Policy Graduate Program.
