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LESSON PLAN:
the Neponset
River Watersh ed
an Samm
on
Japane
se Knotw
eed- N PS Exo
tic Plan
t Manag
ement T eam
CONTENTS
Introduction ................................................................ 3-4 Lesson Plans ............................................................ 5-11 Connecting to Scouting ................................................ 9 Invasive Plant Examples ........................................ 12-17 Purple Loosestrife .................................................. 13 Japanese Knotweed .............................................. 14 Mugwort ................................................................ 15 Porcelain Berry ...................................................... 16 Giant Hogweed ..................................................... 17 Other Invasive ...................................................18-19 Resources .................................................................. 20 Acknowledgments ....................................................... 21
Tarin Rickett Girl Scouts Heart-of-the Hudson Gold Award Project 2012 Page 2
Introduction
Hello! My name is Tarin Rickett, and I am a Girl Scout in Troop 1234 in Croton-on-Hudson, NY. The pamphlet you are currently reading is part of my Girl Scout Gold Award. A Gold Award is similar to the Boy Scout Eagle Award; it is the highest honor a scout can earn. To earn the Gold Award, a girl must develop a project, carry out the plan, and then ensure that the concept can live on to benet the community. For my project, I decided to focus on invasive species, and titled it Educating About and Removing Invasive Plants. Invasive species pose a serious threat to ecosystems across the globe. Sometimes, when a nonnative species is introduced to a new area, it is able to grow in the unfamiliar environment. When this happens, it often begins to reproduce rapidly, vivaciously consuming
tremendous amounts of resources, as they have no natural predators in this new habitat, and thus, are able to run unchecked. This in turn reduces the amount of native species, completely throwing off the local ecosystems and food chains. This issue came to my attention in my own community and I decided to do my part to increase education in order to reduce the negative effects of invasive species. I worked with Susan Sammon, a certied teacher, to develop a lesson plan in accordance with education standards inspired by Blooms Taxonomy Method. I also worked with Charlie Roberto, a local environmental activist, to learn more about some of the worst invasive plants that plague our community. Finally, I presented
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to Katie Brennans two fth grade classes as a test case to ensure its effectiveness. My lesson plan is presented in three parts: education, observation, and removal. In my test run with the fth graders, I worked in the classroom once, and then we took two separate eld trips: one in the fall and one in the spring. All three activities went incredibly well. So far, I have conrmed the effectiveness of my lesson plan within the education community, but in order for my project to make a greater impact, I need to expand the reach of my lessons to even more organizations. Thats how this pamphlet becomes useful. In here, you will nd the lesson plan I developed, a small guide to some of the most threatening invasive plants in
our area, and a resources page to learn more. I hope you will be able to use this information to educate those in your own community, whether that be in a club, classroom, troop, or even friends and family! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about my project, feel free to contact me at my projects website, trickett96.wix.com/goldaward, or email me directly at trickett96@gmail.com.
Everyones surprised at how much Mugwort was removed! Photo by Susan Sammon
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Also included is a Connecting to Scouting page. On this page, youll nd a list of Girl and Boy Scout badges/award/etc that can be tied in with these lessons. These are a great way to get kids in Scout groups interested and participating in these invasive plant removal activities.
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Downloads
At my website, trickett96.wix.com/goldaward, you can nd extended information, including downloadable les to use in the lessons. You can visit the website by simply typing it into your web browser, but you can also visit in on your smartphone as well using the QR Code below. To use this QR Code and access the website: 1. Download a QR Reader app in your smartphones app store. Some free apps include QR Reader for iPhone; i-nigma for iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and Windows Phone; or Zapper Scanner for iPhone. Using your app, scan the QR Code below. Explore the site, download, and learn more
2. 3.
Note: Materials listed on the following pages of the lesson plan in bold are available for download on this website
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Materials/Resources Needed:
Handouts: Samples of invasive plant specimens in your area (preferably, samples of the species you will be pulling later) Observation handout, if applicable Materials: SmartBoard for showing invasive species slideshow Rulers for specimen measurements Magnifying glasses for observations Notebooks/observation packet
Procedure:
1. 2. 3. 4. Present a slideshow on the basics of invasive species Divide into a sub-group for each invasive species specimen you have; pass out the sample plant cuttings to each group Give the students time to observe and record Have each group present their ndings. During these presentations, ensure that the other students are recording the ndings, as this is what they will be using to identify the plants later during the observation and removal eld trips
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Tarin Rickett Girl Scouts Heart-of-the Hudson Gold Award Project 2012
Materials/Resources Needed:
Handouts: None Materials: Transportation Filled out notebooks or observation handout
Procedure:
1. Give a brief overview of the Students identify both Japanese Knotweed and Mugwort days activities. State that the Photo by Susan Sammon class will be identifying and observing local invasive species. Make sure each child brings along their observation handout for a guide. There are a number of activities you could do during this aspect. You could: a. Have each child nd and identify (using the lled out observation packets) a specimen of each species discussed prior (like a checklist scavenger hunt) b. Take a tour of the park, discussing each invasive plant as you move along
2.
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Materials/Resources Needed:
Handouts: None Materials: Its easy to pull Mugwort all the way Black garbage bags to dispose of plants down to the roots! Photo by Susan Sammon Gloves, if applicable Grass seed, to restore the landscape after removal of invasive plants
Procedure:
1. 2. 3. Begin by reviewing how to identify the invasive plant species the group will remove. Bring the children to the area and demonstrate how best to remove the invasive plant species (see plant id pages). There are several approaches you could use during this period: a. Split the children into groups and see which group can clear their designated area the fastest. b. Have children take turns pulling a weed from a designated area (better in smaller groups and smaller areas). c. Have each child pull a specimen of each invasive species discussed and then compare and contrast the different removal techniques, if applicable. If your eld trips are far apart, you may want to point out the growth of the plants. Have the children match up photos from the rst eld trip.
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4.
Tarin Rickett Girl Scouts Heart-of-the Hudson Gold Award Project 2012
Connecting to Scouting
Girl Scouts of America
Invasive Plant Patch: The Girl Scouts of Connecticut have developed an Invasive Plant Patch available for Girl Scouts of any level! Visit http://www.juneauinvasives.org/docs/ Girl_Scouts_Invasive_Plant_Badge.pdf.pdf to view the requirements and purchase the patches.
Scouting geared towards high adventure activities. Both girls and boys ages 14-21 are able to join Crew. Venture Crew
scouts are given the option to Plan, lead, and carry out a signicant conservation project on invasive species control. Invasive Species Merit Badge: The BSA is currently in the process of developing an Invasive Species Merit Badge. You can visit http://www.scoutmasterbucky.com/ for more information.
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Purple Loosestrife
Left: A eld of Purple Loosestrife; Above: close up of the gorgeous purple owers
All Purple Loosestrife photos courtesy of Carly from the Neponset River Watershed
Background Information Purple Loosestrife may be pretty, but dont let it fool you. It is native to Europe, Asia, and regions of Africa and Australia, but after its arrival to North America in the 1880s, its had catastrophic effects. It currently infests every state in the continental US (except for Florida), and it found in every Canadian province. Appearance Purple Loosestrife tends to grow somewhere between three and four feet but may reach heights of up to six feet! They have beautiful columns of
small purple owers, accompanied by skinny leaves. They are found in wetland areas such as swamps and marshes. Posed Danger This plant, once again, crowds out the other plants around it. It spreads extremely quickly, completely displacing entire species form the area (most often, Cattails). Because of its tendency to grow so rapidly and thickly, it often disrupts the ow of the nearby waterways as well.
Removal Currently, biological pest control methods have proven extremely successful for removing Purple Loosestrife. Several sterile species of weevils and leaf beetles have been released in areas plagued with Loosestrife and have dramatically reduced numbers. It is difcult to remove Loosestrife both physically and chemically. Cutting, mowing, burning, and herbicidal treatments are possible, but not as effective. In small patches, uprooting the plant is possible to reduce spreading. Page 13
Tarin Rickett Girl Scouts Heart-of-the Hudson Gold Award Project 2012
Japanese Knotweed
Left: A cluster of Japanese Knotweed; Above: A sprout of Japanese Knotweed in early Spring
Above Japanese Knotweed photo courtesy of Carly from the Neponset River Watershed; Left photo by KENPEI / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0 / GFDL
Background Information The Japanese Knotweed is a woody plant native to Japan. They evolved to grow around volcanoes, making them extremely hardy and, thus, difcult to remove. They were rst brought over to North America for decorative use in the late 1800s, but since then, has spread rapidly and disastrously across the northeast. It is now recognized as one of the worlds 100 worst invasive species. Appearance Japanese Knotweed is a large and, as mentioned, extremely hardy
plant. It has a stalk similar to that of a bamboo plant, although the two are not related. They can grow up to 10 feet tall in dense thickets. In the summer, they sprout small white owers along the stems. Posed Danger The Japanese Knotweed spreads using a root system know as rhizomes. These rhizomes are able to push out the plants around it to spread across a wide area. These roots are very shallow, with very little ability to hold back dirt, causing erosion. Finally, because of the
Japanese Knotweeds height and tendency to grow in thick groups, they often shade out the undergrowth as well. Removal As mentioned, its extremely difcult to remove Japanese Knotweed. You could mow down the plants, but for this to be effective, it must be done continuously during the entire growing season. You could also use herbicides however. Glyphosate based herbicides work best. Ask a local pesticide control specialist for more. Page 14
Tarin Rickett Girl Scouts Heart-of-the Hudson Gold Award Project 2012
Mugwort (Wormwood)
Above photo by Walter Siegmund / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BYSA-3.0 / GFDL; Left photo by Tarin Rickett
Background Information Also known as Wormwood, Mugwort is native to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa but arrived in North America. It is sometimes used as a garnish, to soothe gastro-intestinal symptoms, and may even be smoked. However, it is toxic if ingested in large portions. Appearance Mugwort can grow up to six feet tall, although it is most often seen at heights of one to two feet. It has symmetrical leaves and small, radially
symmetrical, pale greenish-white owers that bloom in the summer. Posed Danger Mugwort also spreads by rhizomes, similar to that of the Japanese Knotweed. It crowds out plants around it and slowly takes over the underbrush of entire areas. Removal Mugwort is fairly easy to remove. You can simply pull out the plants similar to a regular weed. Hoeing works as well. However, it is vital that you remove as much of the roots as
possible as well, as otherwise the plant will simply continue growing. The tough root system is also what makes mowing/cutting the Mugwort an inefcient method of removal. Cutting down the tops of the plants may actually stimulate growth, increasing the number of shoots.
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Porcelain Berry
Left: a stem from the Porcelain Berry vine; Above: a close up of the plants colorful berries
Above photo by Porcelain Berry by Just Chaos / CC-BY-2.0; Left photo by Tarin Rickett
Background Information Porcelain Berry originated in areas of Asia and Russia. It was introduced in the 1870s for ornamental use. It spreads incredibly fast, growing up to fteen feet in a single year! Appearance The Porcelain Berry is a long vine that spreads over the tops of other plants. It has beautiful berries that range in color from blue to purple to teal. It has leaves very similar to that of the native Grape Vine. Neither of these plants are poisonous.
The main differences between the two are the berries and stems. A berry from the Porcelain Berry is white inside, where the native Grapes berries are dark. Grape Vines also have papery, shredding stems whereas the Porcelain Berrys stems are smooth. Posed Danger The Porcelain Berry is a climbing vine. This means that it grows over other (native) plants, eventually smothering it. It also is able to create such thick, dense, mats that the undergrowth is again shaded out.
Removal Luckily, it is possible to physically remove Porcelain Berry by hand. Simply pull off the vines before they begin to fruit. For large vines, cut them at the base. It is then recommended to routinely coat the leftover roots in herbicides or simply continue cutting the plant down when needed.
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Giant Hogweed
Left: a close up of the Giant Hogweeds owers; Above: stalk of this giant plant
It looks very similar to the Cow Parsnip. The main differences are that the Giant Hogweed has larger leaves and owers. Its stem often has a purplish hue or purple blotches as well. Posed Danger Obviously, these plants are hazardous to humans. However, they also effect the native eco-system as well. As the Giant Hogweed is so... well... giant, it displaces and shades out much of the native area, similar to the Japanese Knotweed. Also similar to the Japanese Knotweed, when the
Giant Hogweed takes over, it is often followed by soil erosion. Removal If you nd Giant Hogweed, call the Giant Hogweed Hotline at 1-845-256-3111 or email them at ghogweed@gw.dec.state.ny.us. Include a photo, detailed directions to the plants, and how many plants there are. If it is conrmed a Giant Hogweed plant, the NY DEC will take over the situation.
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Bittersweet
Oriental Bittersweet is a hardy vine that has begun invading the USA. You may remember it as a popular holiday decoration, but this plant is an aggressive invader. It attaches itself on top of other plants, shading them out and eventually killing them.
Carly from the Neponset River Watershed
Garlic Mustard
Garlic Mustard is an invasive plant especially present in the East Coast of the US. This plant has begun to take over the forest underbrush. In addition, it has chemicals toxic to larvae and eggs, and has begun to affect local buttery populations as well.
Carly from Neponset River Watershed Tarin Rickett Girl Scouts Heart-of-the Hudson Gold Award Project 2012 Page 18
Phragmites
Phragmites are tall reeds that plague wetlands areas across North America. These plants release two toxins into the water, harming nearby plants. In addition, these plants are extremely hardy and difcult to remove. The best way to rid an area of Phragmites is to burn the entire area several times over 2-3 seasons.
Carly from Neponset River Watershed
Water Chestnut
Water Chestnuts, better known by their seeds nicknamed Devil Pods, are native to Asia, Europe, and Africa. They grow as reeds on top of the water, with fan-shaped leaves.
Photo by Tarin Rickett Tarin Rickett Girl Scouts Heart-of-the Hudson Gold Award Project 2012 Page 19
Resources
New York State Invasive Species Council
A site dedicated to some of the most destructive invasive species in New York. [ http://www.nyis.info/ ]
USDA
The USDAs invasive species database. Just enter in your invasive plant focus in the search bar and nd its page for tidbits such as distribution maps, characteristics, and pictures. [ http://plants.usda.gov/java/ ]
Invasive.Org
Learn about control methods, distribution of invasive species, and more with ID pages and even a how-to section. [ http://www.invasive.org/ ]
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Acknowledgments
Katie Brennan- Mentor and Fifth Grade Teacher
Thank you so much for allowing me to work with your classes and being a wonderful teacher and an even better friend. Youve been a pleasure to work with and made this whole experience ten times easier!
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