As the sun melts away the frost from the snowy winter, it is important to recognize the invasive species in our environment. These non-native species cause destruction to native biodiversity, wildlife habitat degradation, and damage to vital natural resources.
A non-native species, better known as invasive, can range from certain crops to the most common wildlife and plants. It’s a type of organism that finds a way into a habitat where it is not naturally from, causing major changes in the ecosystem.
In Michigan alone this has been a huge problem, all the way from our waterways to our forests, certain invasive species have drastically changed our natural world. The most common perpetrators being the spotted lanternfly, the purple-loosestrife, and the zebra mussel. Unfortunately that’s not all, as in 2018 it was estimated that there are 187 invasive species that have found their way into the Great Lakes.
There are ways we can still combat this issue this upcoming summer. In recent years, wildflower gardens have become more popular for homeowners all across Michigan. It’s simply a low maintenance garden that features many different plants that are native to the area. By having these gardens they provide pollen, seeds, and nectar to many different small insects and animals. They also are a great way to introduce native plants back into the ecosystems they are naturally from.
Having native plants within your garden also comes with a ton of benefits. They do not require fertilizers, and need fewer pesticides than many common lawns. They need less water, help prevent natural erosion, reduce air pollution, and act as shelter and food for wildlife.
Our marine and woodland creatures need just as much help as our plants from the invasive species that threaten their habitats. Some things that we can do to help include being cautious when moving firewood, as it can carry non-native insects and diseases that hurt our forests. Since 2002, a certain type of beetle, called the emerald ash borer, that is native to Northeastern Asia has killed more than 30 million trees in Michigan alone. These beetles were not the first to invade our woods, and will not be the last if we aren’t more vigilant.
With the Great Lakes being Michigan’s most important natural resource, it’s vital we start taking better care of them. Remember this summer to properly clean boats, canoes, jet skies, kayaks, etc., when moving them out of the water. By removing all the debris and water correctly before transporting these items into different waterways, it will greatly reduce the chance of non-native species being brought into that environment.
There is nothing quite like a summer in Michigan: bees buzzing around flowers, deer running through trees, a great bass jumping out of the water. We need to preserve these moments by acknowledging the harm invasive species cause, as well as working towards preventative measures. We cannot lose our beautiful environment.