Garden Club talks invasive species
The Pine Island Garden Club held its first meeting of the 2015 2016 season last Thursday morning. Guest speaker Clark Ryals, senior Lee County Forester with the Forestry Division of Florida Department of Agriculture, delivered a presentation about invasive species.
Every year the Florida List of Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) publishes a list of hundreds of invasive plant species encroaching into the state’s environment. The FLEPPC list represents only about 11 percent of more than 1,300 exotic species that have been introduced into Florida and have subsequently established outside cultivation.
“About 31 percent, more than 1,300 of the plants in Florida, are non-native invasive species,” Ryals said. “The problem with these invasive species is that they out-complete native species placing them into a threatened or endangered area. The changes these invasives bring to a wildlife habitat are changes in food supply and cover. Once they take over everything else disappears.
“Invasive species can be found everywhere,” Ryals continued. “The most effective way of controlling them is prevention – prevention saves the most money. This can be done either manually by digging them out, or mechanically with heavy equipment.”
Invasive species also increase the risk of wildfires when tall non-natives become unstable. The state will spend $25 – $30 million every year on public lands and $300 million on weed control alone.
“Australian pine is a tall evergreen tree that closely resembles a pine,” Ryals said. “The needles are actually stems with tiny leaves and have taken over many acres of Florida. The most common chemical used to get rid of these trees is 10 percent ‘Garlon 4’ for older trees.”
Melaleuca trees are native to Australia but considered an invasive species in Florida. The problem with melaleuca is that it virtually eliminates native species and alters the environment. Melaleuca produces enormous quantities of seeds which become trees that grow to create an almost impenetrable monoculture. Incineration is the ideal way of disposing of these seeds. During the 50-plus years since its introduction into Florida, melaleuca has taken over hundreds of thousands of acres.
Common invasive trees are: Australian pine, melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, lead trees, earless, carrotwood, java plum and orchid trees. There are also a variety of invasive vines: air potato/air yam, rosary pea, cats claw, skunk, Japanese and Old World climbing fern.
Chemicals can be used to control invasives but chemicals must be handed carefully.
“Read the warning label – it’s there for a reason,” Ryals said. “If you mix these things, you’re breaking the law. Always wear personal protection equipment: long sleeves, long pants, gloves, glasses whenever you handle chemicals. Whenever possible use ‘natural’ herbicides.”
The Pine Island Garden Club was founded on April 23, 1975. The stated purpose was, and is, to aid in the protection and conservation of our natural resources, encourage civic beauty and roadside beautification. to promote the fine art of gardening, and cooperate with other agencies to further the interests of horticulture and conservation. Today the club has 119 paid members.
The club’s philanthropies include Calusa Land Trust, Beacon of H.O.P.E., PAWS and CROW. It also provides flowers and visits to medical shut-ins and those having recent medical interventions.
On Saturday, Feb. 20, the Pine Island Garden Club will celebrate its15th Annual Garden Club Gala. “This is our biggest project each year,” president Marty Kendall said. “We hold this event at Phillips Park, one block from Pine Island Center. This allows us to showcase the park and all kinds of plants grown on the island. We also include Pine Island artists, crafters, authors, and great local food.”
This year’s gala will include 60 vendors and educational speakers.
“It is a great event where residents can come together to learn about gardening in southwest Florida,” Kendall said. “
The Pine Island Garden Club meets every third Thursday of the month (Sept-May) at 9 a.m at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church. The annual dues are $20, with couple’s memberships being $35. If you are interested in seeing what we are all about, come see us. Your first visit is free.