Endangered plants, animals, and native ecosystems are being pushed closer to extinction by invasive exotic plants. It is estimated that more than 1.5 million acres of Florida's remaining natural areas have become infested with non-native plant species. Hydrilla, Florida's most widespread invasive exotic aquatic plant, covered 65,486 acres of public waterbodies in 1996. Public land managers, who are charged with preserving and restoring Florida's remaining native ecosystems, have found themselves spending more and more time controlling and removing invasive exotic plant species. Current control methods employed range from hand pulling of undesirable species to applying herbicides selectively to avoid harming native plant and animal communities.
Plants form the base of the food pyramid upon which all living things depend on.
Aquatic plants turn sunlight into plant matter and forms the base of the food pyramid that nurtures all aquatic animals. A buffer zone preventing bank erosion from waves and boat wakes. A food source for fish, waterfowl, and manatees. A natural water purification system. Aesthetically pleasing wild flowers.