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An "invasive species" is defined as a species that is: non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem and is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid – 1951 into eastern US from western states – prior introduction from Asian cargo in 1920’s.
Animals -
European Starling – Introduced in 1890 as part of a plan to introduce to the U.S. all birds mentioned in the works of Shakespeare .
House Sparrow too
Zebra Mussel–in Great Lakes in mid 1980’s – came in the ballast tanks of ships as larvae – extremely destructive to water intake and living organisms due to habit of attachment
Riparian Zones
A riparian zone is a vegetated area (a "buffer strip") near a stream which helps shade and partially protect a stream from the impact of adjacent land uses. It plays a key role in increasing water quality in streams, rivers, and lakes, and provides many environmental benefits.
Provide habitat - Riparian buffers act as crucial habitat for a large number of species, especially those who have lost habitat due to agricultural or urban use.
Increase biodiversity - This vegetated area of land near a water source becomes a prime location for species that may have left the area. With this re-establishment the number of native species and biodiversity in general can be increased.
Buffers acting as corridors - Buffers also serve a major role in wildlife habitat. The habitat provided by the buffers also double as corridors for species that have had their habitat fragmented by various land uses.
Riparian Zone Environmental Benefits
Zone 1. Functions mainly to shade the water source and act as a bank stabilizer. The zone should include large native tree species that grow fast and can quickly act to perform these tasks.
Zone 2. Usually made up of native shrubs, this zone provides wonderful habitat for wildlife, including nesting areas for bird species. This zone also acts to slow and absorb contaminants that Zone 3 has missed. The zone is an important transition between grassland and forest.
Zone 3. This zone is important as the first line of defense against contaminants. It consists mostly of native grasses and serves primarily to slow water runoff and begin to absorb contaminants before they reach the other zones. Although these grass strips should be one of the widest zones, they are also the easiest to install.
Poison Ivy – leaflets 3, let it be. White berries.
Virginia Creeper – 5 leaflets – non poisonous (unless you eat it).