Invasive non-native species are plants and animals that are native to other regions of the world and have the ability to flourish and replace native species. Many came in grain shipments, ships, crates, ship ballast water, or the personal belongings of people as the U.S. was settled. Many others have been intentionally introduced by flower gardeners, seed & plant companies, bird lovers, pet owners, and as stow-a-ways on food producing trees and seed. A number of these non-native species are very aggressive and do not have any natural predators or diseases here in North America. They also developed in countries with a long history of grazing or human use and most have aggressive behavioral, growth, or reproductive habits. The plants often have spreading root systems or produce seed crops in the tens of thousands. And the end is not in sight! Just go to any garden magazine and you will find a whole host of flowers and plants from other countries that are noted for their 'hardiness', 'ability to grow anywhere,' 'deep spreading roots,' or 'huge' seed crops. The following are examples of the more 'successful' of these species within the Lakeshore which are immediate threats to the native habitats.
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