Invasive Plant Species Management

In 2005, several University students, faculty, and staff collaborated on completing a full review the current invasive plant management measures and practices at the University of Connecticut. The group members hoped that this full review would ensure utilization of those practices that best reduce ecological impact, while allowing for efficient management of state-listed invasive plant species. As a result of this process, an initial Invasive Plant Species Management Plan has been drafted and submitted to the University's Arboretum Committee for potential endorsement. In addition, the University's Sustainable Design Guidelines, released in November 2004, provides additional guidance for protecting sites and water resources through invasive plant species management.

Click on any photograph for identification information and photo credits.

Connecticut Native Tree and Shrub Availability List

Legislation and Resources

Past News Articles

 

        

Promoting Landscaping with Native Plants: The UConn Campus Sustainable Design Guidelines Planning Sustainable Sites, Goal 2:  Minimize the physical impact of new development on the surrounding natural landscape. Conserve high quality natural areas and restore damaged landscapes. Consider using native or adapted planting for their lower maintenance, water efficiency, ornamental and pest tolerance characteristics, and educational value.   Safeguarding Water, Goal 2:  Reduce potable water consumption associated with landscape irrigation.  Encourage the use of native vegetation beds and meadows that require no irrigation, pesticide use, or fossil fuel expenditure for mowing.
To review the University's full Campus Sustainable Design Guidelines click here.

 Past News Articles

UConn Experts Help Stem the Spread of Invasive Vine
(UConn Today, 7/13/2009)

UConn Efforts Help Curb Spread of Invasive Plants in State
(UConn Advance, 3/3/2009)

Fighting Off an Invading Force: UConn Extension Educator Fights Local Invasive Plant
(Daily Campus, 3/23/2005)

Researchers Outsmarting Popular But Invasive Barberry Shrub
(Uconn Advance, 3/21/2005)

Beetles Winning Battle Against Pesky Purple Loosestrife
(UConn Advance, 7/28/2003)

UConn Scientists Combat Invasive Plants with National Park Service
(UConn Advance, 11/13/2000)
    

Mehrhoff tackles invasive alien plants
(Uconn Advance, 3/1/1999)

 

Related Legislation & Informational Resources   

Legislation:

 

Additional CT Resources:

• The Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG)
  Organized in 1997, CIPWG seeks to gather and convey information on the presence, distribution, ecological impacts, and management of invasive plant species; to promote uses of native or non-invasive ornamental alternatives throughout Connecticut; and to work cooperatively with researchers, conservation organizations, government agencies, the green industries, and the general public to identify and manage invasive species pro-actively and effectively.
  
  

• The Invasive Plant Atlas of New England’s (IPANE)
  IPANE's mission is to create a comprehensive web-accessible database of invasive and potentially invasive plants in New England that will be continually updated by a network of professionals and trained volunteers. The database will facilitate education and research that will lead to a greater understanding of invasive plant ecology and support informed conservation management. An important focus of the project is the early detection of, and rapid response to, new invasions.
     
  

Learn More About Invasives:

• Connecticut Invasive Plant List (PDF)
  (July 2009, Connecticut Invasive Plant Council)
      
• Understanding the Impacts of Invasive Plants in Natural Areas
  PowerPoint slide show developed by The Nature Conservancy. 
  **To view the show with explanatory notes, you must save the file to your harddrive, open the document, and then select "Notes Page" from the View drop-down menu at the top of your screen.

 

  

 

Page last updated 07/29/2010.