We're glad our scarecrow led you here!  

How many invasive plants can you identify in Ivan the Invader?
Contact us at info@litchfieldlandtrust.org and correctly identify five different local invasive plants in Ivan the Invader and earn a genuine LLT Black Birch Hiking Stick!

What is an invasive plant?
A plant that is both non-native and able to establish on many sites, grow quickly, and spread to the point of disrupting plant communities or ecosystems. 

Why are invasive plants successful?  (Learn More)

• Many invasive plant species produce large quantities of seed.
• Many invasives thrive on disturbed soil.
• Invasive plant seeds are often distributed by birds, wind, or unknowingly humans allowing seed to moving great distances.
• Some invasives have aggressive root systems that spread long distances from a single plant.
• These root systems often grow so densely that they smother the root systems of surrounding vegetation.
• Some plant species produce chemicals in their leaves or root systems which inhibit the growth of other plants around them.

What are the impacts of invasive plant species?

• Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species, and for 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened  species, invasives are the main cause of their decline.
• Invasive species compete directly with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space.
• Overall plant diversity can be decreased
• Establishment and spread of invasive species can degrade wildlife habitat
• Results in poor quality agriculture lands
• Degraded water quality
• Increased soil erosion
• Decreased recreation opportunities
  
  

What can we do?
1. Learn to identify invasive plants.
2. Remove and control invasive plants on your private property.
3. Encourage your community to actively avoid the spread of invasive plants.
4. Join a group like the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group to coordinate efforts to promote
native and limit invasive plants.

Resources:
Invasive Plant List 
Invasive Plant Management Guide
Invasive Plant Flash Cards
The Scoop On Invasive Plants

Litchfield Land Trust has been battling the scourge of invasive plants for years. We continue to search out new partners and approaches to combat these forest and field impacting plants. In 2021 we secured grant money that allowed us to hire a contractor to treat invasive plants at our Granniss Pond property off of Prospect Mountain Road. To learn more about that effort click the link below:

Granniss Pond Invasive Plant Management Project