Invasive Plant Species
Invasive plants at Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport 2023
“Invasive terrestrial and wetland plants are a threat to Maine’s beautiful natural areas, working farms and forests, and our backyards and open spaces”
Invasive species are non-native to the ecosystem they inhabit, and often threaten the native species there. Invasives establish themselves within an ecosystem - they are not only exotic but they proliferate in this new environment. Sometimes, they even completely dominate and replace the native species, outcompeting them for habitat and resources.
This can be harmful due to the decrease in biodiversity it causes, loss of ecosystem services provided by native species, and also the impact it has on humans.
We see these plants all over our region, even encroaching into our dune system at beaches. With climate change, we can expect these tough plants to flourish even more, as they are typically able to more effectively utilize the increased CO2 when compared to native plants, and are therefore able to outcompete native species.
In efforts to conserve the natural areas we treasure, Maine has regulations and organizations in place to provide guidance, education, monitoring tools, and management strategies to control and mitigate the spread of invasive species.
To learn more about these organizations, invasive species in our community, and what YOU can do, explore the resources and images below.
Bittersweet (Celatrus orbiculatus) wraps itself around a tree at KCT’s Meadow Woods Preserve 2023
Maine Natural Areas Program
The Maine Natural Areas Program provides multiple comprehensive lists and databases with information on invasive species in the state. Learn to identify key invasives, understand the spread and severity of each, and most importantly the impact they have on our ecosystem.
Kennebunkport Conservation Commission
KCT’s Invasive Species Resources are co-sponsored by the Kennebunkport Conservation Commission. Access these files below, or visit the KCC website to learn more!
Honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii) at Meadow Woods Preserve 2023
Get Involved!
Controlling the spread of invasive plants takes time, effort, and strength in numbers. If you are concerned about invasives, see them on your property and the natural areas you love, or would just like to learn more, consider joining future volunteer opportunities for invasive mitigation/removal. Also, stay on the look out for educational events!
KCT and KCC are by no means the only organizations/groups looking at invasive species spread. Check out efforts being done by The Wells Reserve at Laudholm or the Maine Invasive Species Network.
