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Battling Invasive Phragmites in North American Wetlands
The invasive reed phragmites is devastating wetlands across North America, and scientists are working to find effective methods for restoring native habitats after its removal.
English
United States
Climate ChangeConservationRestorationInvasive SpeciesEcologyWetland
NprUtah State University
Nell GreenfieldboyceKarin KettenringHailey MachnikowskiMontana HorchlerJuana Summers
- What is phragmites and why is it considered a problem?
- Phragmites, a tall non-native reed, is an invasive species that dominates wetlands across North America. Its dense growth crowds out native plants, reducing biodiversity and harming migrating birds that rely on diverse habitats.
- How did phragmites arrive in the United States, and how does it spread?
- Phragmites was originally introduced to the U.S. over a century ago as packing material. Once established, it spreads rapidly and is incredibly difficult to remove, requiring herbicides and extensive cleanup efforts.
- What are the challenges associated with removing phragmites from wetlands?
- The deep and complex root system of phragmites makes eradication challenging; herbicides are often necessary but lead to further complications. This necessitates research into effective restoration methods.
- What methods are researchers using to restore wetlands after phragmites removal?
- Researchers in Utah are experimenting with late summer/fall seeding of diverse native plant species to restore wetlands after phragmites removal. The goal is to establish a variety of native plants that can survive various water conditions.
- What are the challenges and prospects for large-scale wetland restoration after phragmites removal?
- While killing phragmites is a necessary first step, restoring native habitats requires re-seeding with a diverse mix of native plants. This approach, while promising, faces challenges in scaling up seed production and distribution.