Creating a Mosaic of Various Habitats and Elimination of Invasive Species

A mosaic of various habitats is a home to many plant and animal species. This species diversity is on the decline at all eight project sites, mainly due to overgrowth of a monotonous cover of invasive and expansive species. The goal of the project is therefore to restore a mosaic of varying habitats, and to completely remove invasive species, as well as to limit the growth of expansive species.

The most common invasive species pestering wetlands are the goldenrods (Solidago canadensis and S. gigantea) and the New York asters (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii). The most common expansive species is the common reed (Phragmites australis).

After the initial removal of the unwanted species, grazing of herbivores and sowing of semi-parasitic species of local plants will help us maintain an open mosaic of habitats. Semi-parasitic plants attach their roots to the roots of the host for a direct intake of nutrients, thereby stunting the host's growth.