Spring is in the air in this unusually warm beginning to March and everywhere new life is starting to flourish where a mere week or two ago snow was on the ground. It is hard for spirits to stay down when delicate green leaves can be seen budding on branches, the singsong chirp of robins heard, and the abundance of insects seen (and felt) reminding us that summer is closer than it appears. However, not all of this new life something to rejoice over and I feel the need to (temporarily) put a damper on this spring time high by cautioning against invasive species. For those that do not know, an invasive species is, "a non-native organism which is causing harm to the environment, human health or the economy. They are shown to interrupt the natural functions of an ecosystem by impacting native plants and animals. These non-native species are allowed to run rampant and are as damaging as they because they have no natural predators in the ecosystems they are invading, so we as using must be on the lookout for them and do what we can to stunt their growth an impact. In Sussex country alone, there are 23 invasive species. Here are just a few. To get more information on invasive species and how to prevent their spread, visit http://www.njisst.org/.

Species: Japanese Wisteria

Area: Appalachian Trail

Abundance: <1000

NJ Status: It is highly threatening to natural communities.

Species: Mile-a-minute vine

Area:Berkshire Valley Wildlife Management Area

Abundance: <1

NJ Status: Widespread and highly threatening to native plant communities.

Species: European Water Chestnut

Area: Waywayanda State Park

Abundance: <100

NJ Status: N/A

Species: European buckthorn

Area: Walkill NWR

Abundance: 2-10

NJ Status: N/A

Species: viburmum leaf beetle

Area: Tunnel Field (Knowlton OS)

Abundance: 2-10

NJ Status: It is highly threatening native plant communities.

Species:porcelain-berry

Area: Sparta Mountain WVA

Abundance: 2-10

NJ Status: It is highly threatening native plant communities.

Species: Callery pear (Bradford pear)

Area: Maple Grange Road

Abundance: 2-10

NJ Status: It is highly threatening native plant communities.

Species: Japanese stillgrass

Area: Kholer Associates

Abundance: 2-10

NJ Status: Widespread and highly threatening to native plant communities.

Species: Japanese angelica tree

Area: Sparta Mountain WMA

Abundance: 11-100

NJ Status: It is highly threatening native plant communities.

Species: Parrotfeather

Area: Sussex County College Pond

Abundance: <100

NJ Status:Rare (may be locally common).