The three-year survey will be conducted by volunteers organized by the New England Wild Flower Society. It will be funded in part by a government grant awarded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Project coordinator Mo Ewing said the survey will provide scientists with basic information on the location and abundance of 30 species of exotic plants that may be growing in forests and parks. More than 200 national parks are being damaged by alien plants, he said. In New England, the problem is widespread and getting worse, said forest biologist Leighlan Prout.
Exotic plants are a huge problem because there is no natural deterrent to their growth.
They can grow wildly and absorb nutrients, air and other valuable resources that native plants would otherwise use. Wildlife is also harmed as plants or insects they use as food disappear. For example, milfoil has wiped out other aquatic life in some New England lakes, making swimming and other recreational activities difficult. Forest supervisor Donna Hepp hopes this summer's survey helps to keep problems from developing in the forest. It will enable us to focus our management efforts.