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.
The Door County Invasive Species Team (DCIST) is a group of natural resource professionals and interested public members that are concerned with preserving Door County’s natural environment. DCIST seeks to halt the invasion of exotic non-native plants by empowering citizens with the education, the tools and the skills necessary to control invasive species. Currently DCIST offers advice, presentations, and training sessions on invasive species control, if you are interested in or have questions about invasive species on your land or on other properties in Door County.
The link to their website is http://map.co.door.wi.us/swcd/invasive/default.htm.
The spread of invasive species is now the second greatest threat, behind habitat destruction, to endangered plants and animals. Because they can out-compete native plants for water, nutrients and sunlight, increasing populations of non-native plants could have long-term effects on the biological integrity of the Sanctuary. For many years, volunteers have worked to control species such as Spotted Knapweed and European Helleborine Orchid by pulling individual plants. Recent research projects have focused on Phragmites (a tall, tough-stemmed grass) and its control using various herbicides.
The best way to control the spread of these invaders is to locate and control them early, before they can get a “roothold” in an area. Visitors to the Ridges are encouraged to watch for non-native plants, especially Garlic Mustard, Black Swallow-wort, Japanese Barberry, Common Teasel, Japanese Knotweed, and Glossy and Common Buckthorn. If you believe you have seen any of these plants during a visit to the Sanctuary, please contact the Ridges staff as soon as possible. Include a description of when and where the plants were found, and describe characteristics of the plant (leaf shape, flowers, fruit or seed pods, etc.) that will help in making a positive identification. Photos documenting the plants are also very helpful.
Listed below are links to more information on some of the non-native plants which are threatening Door County’s natural areas.
Spotted Knapweed
European Helleborine Orchid
Phragmites
Garlic Mustard
Black Swallow-wort
Japanese Barberry
Glossy & Common Buckthorn
