Warmer winters are making it easier for invasive plants to thrive in Connecticut, even in notoriously cooler environments such as Norfolk’s. The Connecticut Invasive Plants Council has identified more than 90 invasive species in the state, carried here by carelessness in the plants we choose for our landscapes, by birds and even by the wind.
Norfolk’s Conservation Commission is trying to eradicate these opportunistic invaders, who out-compete native plants and reduce biodiversity. It has taken aim at a variety of invasive species, issuing “Wanted” posters with pictures and descriptions, urging residents to eliminate them where they are found. On their list are plants such as barberry, burning bush and Norway maples, all sometimes sold by nurseries, as well as other baddies such as honeysuckle, Japanese knotweed, goutweed, oriental bittersweet and more.
Commission members will promote their message again June 27th during Friday Night on the Green when they will distribute plants to persons who have removed invasive plants from their land.
Conservation Commission member Nash Pradhan says the commission has done this for more than a decade to encourage residents to eradicate invasives.
Unlike Colonial days, when settlers had to present the rattlesnake’s tail to earn their bounty, it is not necessary for property owners to bring the invasive plant with them to claim their reward.