Jun 9, 2009 7:03 pm US/Eastern
Local Students Tackle Invading Pepperweed
SALISBURY (WBZ) ―
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Students at Sparhawk School in Salisbury are trying to tame an invasive weed -- Pepperweed -- which is threatening plants native to the northeast.
WBZ
Ever heard of Pepperweed? If so, you have trouble. This foreign invader or invasive species came in over the years with other seeds from Europe and Asia. Now these weeds are taking up residence in the Northeast, locally choking out native plants in salt marshes on the North Shore.
"This is one of the northern most points where Pepperweed is being found," said Liz Duff, Mass Audubon's Education Coordinator.
I met up with Liz and several students from the Sparhawk School in Salisbury to tackle thick patches of Pepperweed, one root at a time.
"Pepperweed is pretty easy to recognize. It grows on the upper edge of a salt marsh and is visible from the road. The tall, skinny plant grows 1 to 3 feet tall and has alternating leaves. The roots smell like horseradish. The seeds travel in the tides and can spread rapidly that way," Liz explained to me and the students. "Our job is to pull the plants and our aim is to get as much of the root out as possible."
This weeding can be done from May to July before the plants flower. The students went to work -- yes, me too -- pulling and bagging the invaders. Last year, volunteers removed 3,000 pounds of Pepperweed. All of it incinerated to prevent any further spread.
Pepperweed is a threat to biodiversity and wetland habitats.
"The invasive plants are also a threat to agricultural lands which is another economic factor," stated Liz. "It's only been the past decade that we have been seeing it here in the Great Marsh region stretching from Salisbury down to Gloucester."
The students were enthusiastic and eager to change the landscape. "You're out in the field pulling the weeds and feeling like you are actually doing something great," said Sparhawk student Allison Lord. "It just shows that the average person can really make a difference," added Patrick O'Connell.
"Invasives like Pepperweed are threatening biodiversity of our native ecosystems. We need to fight back," concluded Liz.
If you would like to volunteer, there are plenty of opportunities to tackle invasive species including Pepperweed.
Great Marsh Pepperweed Eradication Project
LEARN MORE: Changing Climate Likely To Make 'Super Weed' Even More Powerful
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