The most troublesome invasive, non-native plant species in the Keys are Australian pine, Brazilian pepper, lather leaf and lead tree. These invasive plants endanger the existence of many species native to the Keys. To combat the problem of invasive, non-native species in the Keys, the Conservancy launched the GreenSweep initiative in 1999. The task force is a cooperative, interagency group of public and private land managers, planners and business people united to address the growing threat of invasive, non-native species. To date, the task force has mapped invasive, non-native plant populations, produced an educational brochure, and conducted a large demonstration project on West Summerland Key.
Heavy equipment is used to remove invasive, non-native plants.