To the Editor,
Speaking as a private citizen who strives to support our environment as effectively and prudently as possible, I was struck again by how pervasive invasive plants are in New Canaan.
During another walk on the Green Link trail connecting Irwin Park and the Nature Center, as well as in the park and center themselves, I was once again faced with a chorus of invasives: Burning Bush, Border Privet, Japanese Barberry, Mugwort, Multiflora Rose, Periwinkle, Siberian Squill, Japanese Honeysuckle – I am running out of room. In the Nature Center itself, if just the Japanese Barberry and Burning Bush were removed, there would be little understory left. And any drive around town will confirm just how widespread these invasives are – even on professionally landscaped properties.
I know our town has been working on this (Kudos) and I appreciate that this is an uphill battle. The long needed renovation of the Bristow Bird Sanctuary, as one example, is well underway (Kudos, again) and removing the invasive plants has been a key part of this. I hope that these worthy efforts continue.
Why should anyone care? The native birds, bees and other critters in our midst, and on which we rely for our food and much more, are heavily, if not solely, dependent on native plants for food, shelter or breeding. If the plants are not there, the animals disappear.
What to do? First, if you can, consider removing invasive plants from your property (It’s tough. I know.) and replanting with natives. A good list of local invasive plants is: https://cipwg.uconn.edu/invasive_plant_list/ Second, replace them with native plants. What are native plants? The list is long, but a good landscape architect or plant nursery can help. Also consult https://ctnofa.org/programs/the-ecotype-project/ for ideas. Plus, native plants are comfortable with our soils and weather. After all, they’re from here.
You might think ‘Hey, I have a small property. What difference will a few plants make?’ From little acorns mighty oaks grow. Every bit helps, and if many of us do even a bit, it adds up quickly. Consider making this a Spring project.
John J Kriz
