Statewide Weed Wrangle this Saturday 12 October 2024! Hoosiers Helping Indiana Habitat.

We are celebrating native Indiana habitat across the state this Saturday! Over 20 CISMAs will host a Weed Wrangle. We hope you will join us. These not only have a positive impact on the health of our parks, but are healthy for us too. We gather with others, chat, meet new people, and exercise for 2 hours all while removing invasive species in the places we have set aside as natural areas to enjoy.

Indiana County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) have been tackling invasive species via Weed Wrangles® in our parks and preserves for about 7 years. Volunteers have been working to ensure that these areas are exactly what they are designed to be: a natural place for people and wildlife comprised of native vegetation.

Weed Wrangles® are volunteer led invasive species management events held in publicly accessible areas across the U.S. Many states host one or two events a year. Several states, Indiana, Tennessee, Florida and a few more, host multiple events a year. Indiana hosts around 180 Weed Wrangles® annually (more than any other state).  We can do that because we have county level CISMAs that work in their communities to find local tools and resources for effective management. One effective tool is a Weed Wrangle®, which uses people (the best resource) to work for healthy parks. Gathering as many as possible for a few hours several times a year is impactful. We gather and have fun, learn something new, work in our communities, and remove invasive plants. Hoosiers understand the value of native habitat and how such habitat fosters healthy parks, forests, prairies, glades, water, soil and communities.  Hoosiers understand that it is local people that keep communities thriving. The positive impacts are immense when community members come together.

In 2023, Cayce McAlister from Tennessee, creator of Weed Wrangle®, asked Indiana CISMAs to hold a statewide wrangle on one day to show mass support for invasive species management. Saturday October 12, 2024, is that day.

Over 20 Indiana CISMAs have decided to host one of these fun (managing invasive plants can be fun when you do it with others), and impactful events. A table of the October 12 events is below. Please contact your local CISMA for more details, events and information about how your county is addressing invasive plants, https://www.sicim.info/cismas.

Join us for a couple of hours at a Weed Wrangle® near you and get ready to have fun and make a positive impact with others. Wear long sleeves, long pants, closed toed shoes and bring a pair of gloves and your water bottle.  

Point of Contact is Dawn Slack, dawn@sicim.info or Liz Yetter, Liz@sicim.info

Table of Weed Wrangles occurring on 12 October 2024 in Indiana.

Map of the locations of Weed Wrangles planned for 12 October 2024 in Indiana. Clicking on the map will take you to Google Maps where you can find location information.

Partners Work to Identify Threats

Hoosier’s Charles C. Deam Wilderness Surveyed for Invasive Plants

September 17, 2024. Bedford, IN  In a partnership project between the Hoosier National Forest (NF) and State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management (SICIM), portions of the Charles C. Deam Wilderness are being surveyed for the presence and extent of spread for different invasive species. Eco Logic, LLC, an ecological firm out of Bloomington that focuses on restoration, was contracted to map invasives along the 36 miles of trails in the Wilderness. A total of 14 different invasive species were found.

In 2023, the group surveyed within 25 feet of either side of the Wilderness trails looking for signs of the invasives. SICIM administered the contract with Eco Logic. For 2024, Eco Logic is currently mapping invasives in an area around Frog Pond Ridge in the Wilderness.  The Hoosier plans to apply for more funds in 2025 to continue the mapping to focus on two overly common invasives that are from old homesites: tree-of-heaven and wineberry.   The hope is to capture the full extent of these species so that they can be primary targets for future control.

Cheryl Coon, Economic Partnership Coordinator for the Hoosier, explained that the mapping is helping the Forest Service have a more comprehensive idea of how extensive the spread of invasives species are in the Wilderness.  With this information, the Forest can develop a strategic management plan on what species they can control and how. Coon emphasized that though there are a lot of invasives in the Wilderness, the infestations are not hopeless at this point. “Good stewardship can make all the difference. We can get the invasives back under control and the native ecosystems will rebound,” said Coon.

The results of Eco Logic’s surveys include maps of where the different invasives species were found. Of the species surveyed for, lesser celandine (Ficara verna) and Siberian squill (Scilla siberica) were not found during the surveys. Another targeted species, garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), was found in only four areas. There were clusters of hundreds of seedlings at these sites historically, but the ongoing work with volunteers has significantly reduced the number of plants and their spread. Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) was found widely scattered in three places in the Wilderness. Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a biennial plant found at the trailheads. These five spring species covered less than 10% of the Wilderness.

Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is the most abundant trailside invasive species in the Wilderness. It follows trail corridors and streams. Myrtle (Vinca minor) is a groundcover that has escaped in two areas associated with cemeteries. There were several herbaceous species found but not mapped: Oriental lady’s thumb (Persicaria longiseta) is common along trails but does not seem to be spreading. Beefsteak plant (Perilla frutescens) was also found along trails but did not seem to move beyond the disturbed trail margins.   There were several invasive shrubs mapped.

Links to maps of surveyed species are included below the photograph.

Myrtle covering a forested area in southern Indiana.

For more information please contact Anthony Sipes, SICIM Chair, sicim.info@gmail.com, or Teena Ligman, SICIM Board Member, tdligman@att.net.

SICIM seeking an Executive Director

SICIM is hiring for their Executive Director position!

Job Overview: The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for overseeing the administration and strategic plan of State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management. (SICIM) Other key duties include fundraising, grant writing, marketing, and staff supervision. The staff, Regional Specialists and a Project Coordinator, work with Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) across the state. The CISMAs work at the local, grassroots level to educate, organize, and inspire invasive control efforts. The ED oversees all regional efforts to develop CISMAs in counties that don’t have an organized group addressing their invasive issues. Connections and education, and interested partners, communities, and landowners in all counties, are the foundation SICIM relies upon to complete its mission.

SICIM is a leader in the nation with invasive management: working with partners, developing local CISMAs, and inspiring change across the state. SICIM transitioned from an all-volunteer group to a respected organization with skilled and experienced staff that inspires our CISMA’s efforts. The ED encourages the staff and CISMAs across the state that groups of committed people CAN make a difference.

Compensation Annual salary of $65,000 to $70,000, commensurate with experience; in addition, 18 days of paid time off per year for sick and vacation leave are available, as well as paid holidays per the State of Indiana’s observed holidays (14 days in 2024).

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Guide, advise, and train staff according to SICIM’s mission and values.

• Handle personnel administration such as timesheets, evaluations, and logistical needs (computer, phone, IT licenses, tabling materials & supplies, etc.).

• Work closely with Board Treasurer, Board Finance Committee, and Bookkeeper to manage SICIM’s finances, including staff credit card accounts, bank account, grants, taxes, expense reports and mileage reimbursements, payroll, insurance needs, etc.

• Schedule and prepare for bi-monthly board meetings, bi-weekly staff meetings, committee meetings, event planning meetings, quarterly state-wide CISMA meetings, and other meetings that arise.

• Create quarterly newsletters by creating and collecting content and design, as well as all other communications with email subscribers. Compile SICIM Annual Report by creating and collecting content and design. Update and create brochures, flyers, educational and tabling materials as needed.

• Presentations to large and small, local and national audiences at conferences, organization meetings, invasive species trainings, etc.

• Serve in a leadership role for the SICIM Annual Partners Meeting, the Indiana Invasive Species Conference, and any fundraising events. Participate in planning and implementation of regional invasive trainings, tabling at national and local conferences, and other outreach.

• Guide the SICIM social media team to create engaging and appropriate content on Facebook and Instagram, focusing on regular posts with original content, as well as sharing partner posts, highlighting important events such as Invasive Species Awareness Week and Giving Tuesday.

• Work closely with the Indiana Invasives Initiative Project Coordinator to oversee and implement SICIM’s largest project, the Indiana Invasive Initiative. Lead and support the Project Coordinator and the regional staff as they sustain current and future CISMAs, perform invasive species surveys as requested, create management plans for private landowners, and provide outreach and training throughout the state. Collect data from CISMAs and Regional Specialists for federal reimbursements according to SICIM’s agreement with the USDA-NRCS.

• Work closely with state and local partners, private landowners, and citizens to bolster current invasive management and create a larger awareness throughout the state on the issues of invasive species. Empower all Indiana citizens to find their role in managing invasive species and their spread.

• Research and apply for grants as applicable, submitting paperwork as needed for reimbursement or grant reporting.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Experienced leader with excellent communication and organization skills.

• Strong work ethic with a high level of energy

• Awareness and interest in natural resources conservation issues, especially invasive species

• Ability to work independently and set priorities within broad goals and objectives.

• Experience managing and supervising staff

• Experience and skill in working with a Board of Directors and coordinating Board and committee meetings.

• Sound management abilities including administrative planning, program development, and task facilitation.

• A history of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving financial results through grants and fundraising events

• Previous success in establishing relationships with individuals and organization of influence including donors, partner agencies and volunteers.

• CRM software and donor database management experience (i.e., Bloomerang and Qgiv)

• Basic accounting knowledge and experience in grant budget preparation, oversight and report writing.

• Personal computer skills including experience with MS Office applications, website use (Squarespace), and other social media platforms.

• Marketing knowledge and experience

• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends as needed.

• Dependable vehicle and valid driver’s license for travel to meetings and events.

To apply, send a resume detailing relevant experience and a list of references to Anthony Sipes at sicim.info@gmail.com. The position will be open until filled. Click here to download a PDF of the job description.

Inaugural Runnin' and Wranglin' 5K Fundraiser Recap

SICIM held their first ever 5K run/walk fundraiser last fall, aptly named the Runnin’ and Wranglin’ 5K! The race was held on November 4th at Mill Race Park in Columbus, Indiana, and SICIM staff worked with CISMAs in the area (Bartholomew County Blazing Stars CISMA, Brown County Native Woodlands, Johnson County Native Plant Partnership, and Jackson County Invasive Partnership) to plan and put on the event. It truly was an event to remember! The weather delivered a beautiful November morning, and over 100 participants joined the fun. This race was an effort to raise awareness locally and throughout the state on the impact of invasive species, as well as being SICIM’s first ever fundraiser to support the Indiana Invasives Initiative. The race was timed for those serious runners, and for those who weren’t in such a rush there were information tables, activities, and prizes given away. Some prizes included reusable water bottles, native shrubs, a Weed Wrangle kit that included loppers and gloves, stickers, and more.

Awards were given to those participants that excelled in their age category, as well as those who traveled the farthest, who raised the most money, and who wore the best costume. The costumes were outstanding! We had butterflies, kilts, wood nymphs, caterpillars, movie characters, and even invasive species costumes! Volunteers from Cummins led a Weed Wrangle during the race that anyone could join, and food trucks fed all the hungry participants and their families and guests. Everyone received a medal and a long sleeved t-shirt for their participation, along with learning a little more about invasives along the way!

This event truly was a team effort. We are very grateful for our partners who helped to put on the event, Mill Race Park for the location, all of our sponsors who made it possible, and of course everyone who donated to make this a successful fundraising event! We plan to have future 5K fundraisers, so if you are interested keep an eye on the event page on our website, or our Facebook and Instagram pages. Runnin’ and Wranglin’ may be coming to a park near you! We look forward to seeing you at the race in 2024, and don’t forget to wear your costume.

thanks to our generous sponsors and partners!

Working Together For Change in Hancock County

In 2020, Vernon Township in Hancock County started a victory garden project to engage people seeking outdoor companionship in a healthy, green environment during the pandemic.  They dug a plot next to the office with the help of a local farmer who was also a Township Board member, focusing on growing food to donate to F.A.R.M., the local food pantry. Early on they connected with Lais McCartney, Extension Educator at Hancock County Purdue Extension, and Patrick McCartney, leader of the Hancock County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA). The focus was learning the basics of community gardens and Lais encouraged them to work with the Hancock County Master Gardeners (HCMG). Several gardeners signed up for a Community Gardening Training program to help structure their program, and a couple folks within the group became Master Gardeners themselves.

In 2021, they had the good fortune to move to a new office with 11+ acres.  Their team saw the opportunity to expand from the donor and community garden projects to a larger vision: the Gardens of Vernon Township. Again, the McCartneys (Lais and Patrick) helped them with education programs for gardeners and staff.  They also suggested soil testing, managing invasives, and to start planting native species.

Stephanie Schuck with the State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management (SICIM) visited the property for an invasive species survey and provided a management plan for getting rid of invasives, including the 12 Bradford pear trees directly in front of the building (that have been cut down!) and those in the natural area behind the building where the pear trees were spreading due to the seed production of the established trees in front. 

While Stephanie got them focused and headed in the right direction for invasive removal, they worked with an Eagle Scout to convert a trash enclosure into a garden shed and a local muralist to paint a Gardens of Vernon Township mural. The community garden moved into raised beds and a local beekeeper established three hives on the property. Additionally, working with the HCMG they established two milkweed beds from winter sown starts. This led to certification as a Monarch Way Station later in the summer.

They planned a Weed Wrangle with the Hancock County CISMA for early November 2023.  In mid-October they received a Community Foundation Grant to purchase 68 native trees and shrubs through the Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District. Fortunately, 30 volunteers from HCMG, Purdue Extension, Hancock County CISMA, SICIM, and Mt. Vernon High School came together to make it all happen in one day. The students planted all 68 trees with expert instruction from Indiana Master Naturalist, Ruby Northcutt, and Patrick led the Weed Wrangle to help remove 50+ invasive honeysuckle bushes and Bradford pear trees.  Burning bushes that were in the landscaping were previously removed and replaced with the native shrubs as well. What an amazing transformation!

Future Plans

They worked with a Ball State University landscaping class to brainstorm opportunities for the 4-acre garden design and hired Mader Landscapers to bring the ideas to life for a formal garden, youth garden, berries, a bee education center, pavilion and much more. They now have a general plan and are working on the water management infrastructure. It will take several years to get the gardens established but they will continue to expand as the budget allows. They’ve also started working with the Vernon Township Library on offering a seed library program.

This story is a perfect example of how partnerships can work to make change and engage the community, pooling together resources and knowledge to better the local community. Kudos to all the community members and organizations that came together to make all of this happen!

“We are so very grateful to the Hancock County CISMA, Purdue Extension, Hancock County Master Gardeners, and Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District, and all those in this community who have helped us learn and grow!”  - Flory May, Vernon Township Trustee

A Rare and Fascinating Native, the Green Star Sedge

By Dawn Slack

There is a group of us that admire plants and especially admire sedges for their humble yet exquisite existence. When we learned there was a rare and new-to-Indiana sedge growing in areas designated unique and special (calcareous fens), we had to see it. We had to know what it looked like and why it was growing in these unique places. We had to understand why it grows, where it grows, who uses it and which plants grow with it (relationships are the secret to living). We needed to see it in bloom, out of bloom, and what bloomed when it bloomed. 

Green Star Sedge, Carex viridistellata

2015 Charlotte A Ricker, www.rickerstudio.com

Its name is green star sedge, Carex viridistellata. Surely with such a name it is an astounding sedge that twinkles as only a green sedge can amongst the dense and green vegetation of a calcareous fen. See, not only is its name indicative of the cosmos but its place of residence (those fens) is certainly a jewel among jewels, albeit a highly overlooked (perhaps purposely ignored) one. And isn’t this the way it often goes? We humans with our big fantastic brains often fail to see the less adorned amongst us. Most humans tend to put sedges in this category.  But if you stop and peer intently at a sedge you will see beautiful specimens richly decorated with earthy shades of reds, purples, greens, blues, and yellows. You will observe an unending array of “flower” shapes reminiscent of stars, swords, crowns, clubs, drooping tassels, bushy tails, or dollops of pearls. And you will find tall sedges, tiny sedges, tussock sedges, and lone sedges as well as blue sedges, green sedges, and even yellow sedges.

Green Star Sedge Distribution, copyright 2014 Esri, USDA-NRCS-NGCE & NPDT

But it’s not just the green star sedge that is of interest, it is much more. Its home, those fens, the people who own them and the neighbors are of interest as well. This is a journey to connect with people, to listen to and learn about their stories of the land they own. It is a journey to collaborate to save the green star sedge from eradication.

We have much to learn about this sedge and its relationships. As of right now, the green star sedge is considered a rare species; growing in a dwindling number of fens. No matter the outcome the journey will be fruitful because we will learn about it, it’s habitats and the relationships it takes to preserve it. We hope you will join and support us on this journey for we will study a species surely destined for stardom.

Team members involved in this discovery: Scott Namestick, Stuart Orr, Nathan Herbert, Dawn Slack, Jeff Ray, Roger Hedge, CISMA (HC RIPS), and neighbors

2023 Indiana Invasive Species Conference Recap

The conference this year was truly inspiring, and it was so wonderful to be able to connect and learn with all the attendees. And speaking of attendees, we had a record number this year of 250! We are truly thankful for all our conference sponsors (below) and for our conference committee. A special shout-out to the Hamilton County Invasives Partnership for working so closely with the conference committee, helping on conference day, and providing some stellar field trips in the Noblesville area! It truly was a team effort.

Lunch was provided by Juniper Spoon, coffee by Wood Warbler Coffee.

Bob Easter, Niches Land Trust, discussing invasive grass management

Hamilton County Invasives Partnership representing!

Bob Bruner, Purdue University Extension, discussing Asian jumping worms

Check out all those silent auction items!

Silent auction item donated by HIP, including Native Nectar, a collaboration between HIP and Bier Brewery

Jake Brinkman, IDEM, received SICIM’s Volunteer of the Year Award

Hamilton County Parks and HIP presented and conducted a field trip on using GIS to map invasive species

All of the amazing Weed Wrangler Awards!

Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD) were awarded SICIM’s Partner of the Year Award

Ray Chattin and Les Zimmerman (not pictured) were awarded the SICIM President’s Award by Will Drews

Dawn Slack, SICIM’s Indiana Invasives Initiative Project Coordinator, addressing attendees and getting them inspired!

Silent auction donation from Blazing Stars CISMA and Bartholomew County SWCD

Teena Ligman, SICIM Board Secretary, selling SICIM tshirts

Sign at Nonie Werbe Krauss Nature Preserve, a CILTI property and one of the field trips

David Gorden, Mark M. Holeman Landscaping, discussing landscape design with native plants for HOAs

Lenny Farlee, Purdue Extension, dropping all his knowledge on equipment and herbicide application methods

Large equipment demonstration by Stantec

Many presentations were given throughout the morning, along with concurrent sessions in 3 tracks: research, CISMA development, and land management. Participants heard from natural resources professionals, land managers, landscape architects, and more. We heard state updates from Eric Bitner, Indiana Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, and Anthony Sipes, Indiana State Parks Natural Resources Manager, and learned about jumping worms from Bob Bruner with Purdue University Extension. Continuing education credits were offered again this year for anyone interested.

Field trip experiences were diverse, and participants had a variety of options to choose from. From watching a large equipment demonstration with Stantec to a visit with Central Indiana Land Trust staff at Nonie Werbe Krauss Nature Preserve to visiting a private landowner’s property to learn about progress on invasive removal and native plant installation, we tried to cover it all! Our goal every year is to provide relevant content to all: professionals, private landowners, CISMA members, and citizens of Indiana.

We also held our first silent auction that had some amazing items donated! All proceeds of the conference go directly to Indiana CISMAs through small grants, reimbursements, and other support. We hope that all who joined us had a great time learning, networking, and sharing their knowledge and experience. It is always wonderful and inspiring to hear from everyone how they are working to manage invasive species, restore and protect habitat, and working together to increase the efficiency of all of our efforts across the state.

If you would like to know more details about what was offered, visit our conference page. The 2024 conference committee is already hard at work planning for next year, and details on the date and location for the next conference will be shared as we plan. Thank you all for everything you do to protect, restore, and conserve our natural areas! We hope to see you next year!

Upper Wabash Invasive Network Hosts Second Annual Field Day Event

The Upper Wabash Invasive Network (UWIN) hosted their second annual Field Day event this year in August at Mississenewa Lake in Peru, Indiana. UWIN, a three-county Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA), made up of multiple Natural Resource Conservation Service representatives, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Purdue Extension members, and private citizens, worked together to provide a full day of programming. Participants were able to receive continuing education credits for herbicide application (Cat 2, 6, and RT) and learned about specific invasive species and management. The day also included field trips around several areas of the Mississinewa Lake property, with discussions on water quality and watersheds, land management, and invasive species. Breakfast and lunch was included, and cost to attend was $10.

Over 70 people attended, including private landowners, natural resources managers, municipal agencies, and various conservation professionals.

If you are in the area and are interested in attending a future field event, UWIN will be holding a similar workshop at Salamonie Lake in August of 2024 that will also include pollinator plantings information. Contact Teresa Rody, IDNR Upper Wabash Interpretive Services Interpretive Manager, trody@dnr.in.gov for more information and to be notified when registration opens.

Welcome new Regional Specialist, Ronda Spaulding!

The State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management (SICIM) welcomes Ronda Spaulding as a new Regional Specialist for Northwest Indiana. She began work on September 5, 2023, for the state-wide Indiana Invasives Initiative project. The counties she will cover include St. Joseph, Starke, Pulaski, Marshall, Fulton, Cass, and Carroll.

Spaulding is a long-time, devoted gardener and nature lover. She and her family have embarked in recent years on restoring their property’s woodland and wetland in northern Indiana. Restoration is slow, but she has witnessed first-hand the visible benefits of every effort. She was awarded the northwest region Weed Wrangler Award at the 2023 Indiana Invasive Species Conference for the progress made thus far. Understanding the importance of providing space for native plants and controlling invasive species on our private and public lands has developed into a strong commitment to undoing years of poor planting choices and land management decisions.

Her experience includes many years with a growing not-for-profit, serving in various roles coordinating program services, assisting administration, and participating in development.  She volunteers with several other organizations in the community and enjoys helping others.  She is looking forward to working for the Indiana Invasives Initiative and collaborating with community partners to develop strong Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) that will help conserve land for future generations.

Stephanie Schuck, Executive Director of SICIM, which sponsors the state-wide Indiana Invasives Initiative, is honored to have Spaulding on board. She is one of seven Regional Specialists now working throughout the state. Schuck notes, “Ronda has an enthusiasm that is infectious. She has practical experience as a landowner with invasive species management and has worked extensively in the non-profit world. She can bring people together and has a deep understanding of the importance of protecting and restoring Indiana’s natural areas. We are so lucky to have her and look forward to the work she will accomplish.”

The SICIM board and staff will continue to strengthen the young CISMAs and be the catalyst to help get new ones started. Building local CISMA teams helps increase the awareness of the harm invasive species bring to our natural landscapes.

Download the press release here.

Invasive Plants Kill Birds and Bats

By Tom Berg. This article won an award at the Outdoor Writers Conference in 2022.

Recently, my wife and I were sitting in the garden in our back yard, enjoying the evening breeze and watching different birds flit among the branches of our pine trees. The sun had just disappeared behind the western horizon, but the sky was still fairly bright. Darkness would be falling very soon. A quick movement in the sky overhead caught our attention, and we looked up to see the first bat of the evening appear as it wheeled and flitted across the yard. Soon another bat joined it, and then another. Within a few minutes, there were seven bats flying around over our yard and our neighbor’s yard, catching mosquitoes and other insects with ease.

We had discovered that there was a colony of Eastern red bats living somewhere in or near our yard a couple of weeks earlier when we were watering the gardens just before dark. A bat swooped in at eye level just as I finished watering our tomato plants, and since it wasn’t dark yet I could easily see his black wings and the reddish fur on his body. It was definitely an Eastern red bat. That’s when my wife and I decided to spend a few minutes each evening sitting on the bench in our garden to watch the bats before darkness fell. We enjoyed watching the small creatures patrolling the skies over our yard, and I was particularly happy to see them catching mosquitoes.  They were fun to watch, too!

As we sat watching, we saw one bat fly low through the yard and suddenly land on a tall plant about four feet off the ground. I was surprised, because I had never seen a bat land while it was hunting insects. I wondered if he had caught a particularly large bug and needed to land to eat it! I expected the bat to take flight again within seconds, but he never did. I walked over to see what he was doing, and it looked like he was eating or chewing on the flowers of the weed. I quickly ran inside the house to get my camera to see if I could get a photo before he took off. When I came back with the camera, my wife said he was still there. I got fairly close and took some photos, but I still expected him to fly away at any moment. He never did. The weed that he had landed on was the noxious burr-producing weed called common burdock (Arctium minus), and it looked like he was hugging the flowering burrs and chewing on them.

I did not know it, but he was actually stuck to the burrs like Velcro! When darkness fell we went inside, and I was sure he would be gone by morning. After all, he had the entire night in front of him. The next morning when I left for work, I checked to see if he was gone. Unfortunately, he was still there and he was not moving.  In fact, he was dead! I was shocked and surprised!

Burdock flowers

Photo by Tom Berg

Photo by Tom Berg

Eastern red bat stuck to a burdock plant

Photo by Tom Berg

I did some research online that evening and I found that the burdock plant, along with the related cocklebur plant, has been known to trap bats and small birds if the creatures accidentally get caught in the sticky burrs. Bats and birds that become entangled usually die from exposure or starvation since they find it very difficult to free themselves to find food and shelter. I felt bad for the poor bat, especially since I had not realized he was stuck. I always try to remove the invasive burdock plants from my gardens when I see them, simply because they tend to take over open areas if allowed to spread. The burrs also stick to almost everything (including clothes), and they can be difficult to remove. This particular plant had eluded my sight until the bat landed on it.

Burdock burrs have curved hooks or barbs that hook into the fibers of our clothing, but they also hook and hold animal fur and feathers, too. As a matter of fact, these burrs were the inspiration for the invention of the Velcro fasteners that we use in our everyday lives today. The spines of burdock burrs are even sharp enough to penetrate the thin layer of dead skin on your fingers, so they can stick to your bare skin, too.

I was surprised to learn that small birds like hummingbirds, finches, wrens, warblers and others can be trapped and die if they become entangled in burdock plants. Bats of all species are vulnerable, too, because the burrs stick to their fur even better than it sticks to feathers. Burdock is only spread by seed, so the best way to control the plant is to destroy the seeds before they can be dispersed. Flowers appear in mid-summer and slowly dry out to become burrs. The seeds are inside the round burrs. Those burrs should be cut off and bagged in your garbage. Do not try to compost them because the seeds may not be killed by composting.

Luckily, burdock plants are biennial, so it takes them a full two years to mature and produce flowers and burrs. During the first year, the plant develops a deep tap root and displays leaves only.  It is during the second year that the tall stalk grows and produces flowers. Attempting to pull up or dig up a burdock plant is not easy, because the root is very deep and it breaks off easily when pulled. Like a dandelion, it simply re-grows another plant if the entire root is not removed.

Please do the bats and birds in your neighborhood a favor and remove every burdock and cocklebur plant that you find. If you control the plants on your property, you will help reduce the spread of this invasive weed.  I removed this plant the next day. We should all be concerned with threats to the environment and the creatures that call it home, and controlling burdock is an easy way to help.

For more information on burdock identification and management, visit the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network Website.

Wildlife Corridors and Community Building

By Gillian Field, Urban Greenspace Outreach Coordinator - City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation & MC-IRIS (Monroe County Identify and Reduce Invasive Species) member

We’re excited about the Winslow-Crestmont Wildlife Corridor - an initiative created by the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Urban Greenspace team!

Winslow Woods is a city park with high quality woods, intact biodiversity, a robust volunteer base, and ongoing invasive species control. Crestmont Park, also a city greenspace, features unique topography and some remnants of mature native trees. This site provides the opportunity to address low income and low canopy values that exist near the park.

Both areas are impacted by a mosaic of stormwater issues, heat island effect, and fragmentation. Our hope is to infuse a level of enthusiasm and curiosity for learning and taking action that will result in a ripple effect full of wildlife benefits. By connecting nearby Bloomington Rail Trail (a well known hotspot for 74 bird species) and key native habitats like Lower Cascades and Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, the wildlife corridor will be extended to provide cover, food, and sunlight for birds traveling between the older and darker Morgan and Monroe forests.  Notable birds in our greenspace include species like indigo bunting who love railroad corridors and edges, and screech owls, bluebirds, and pileated woodpeckers, who rely on nesting in cavities of dead and standing-trees to complete their life cycle. Water is naturally present in many of our parks, and creeks meandering through Crestmont Park and Winslow Woods will be further protected by native habitat restoration.

Young Weed Wrangler from Bloomington Montessori School with buckets of Celastrus orbiculatus (Asian bittersweet) - Winslow Woods, April 2023. Photo by Gillian Field

Young Weed Wrangler from Bloomington Montessori School holding Celastrus orbiculatus (Asian bittersweet) - Winslow Woods, April 2023. Photo by Gillian Field

Men attending Theta Chi Fraternity Weed Wrangle at Lower Cascades 2023. Photo by Michelle Moss

Weed Wrangle volunteers at Winslow Sports Park 2023. Photo by Gillian Field

Piles of Euonymus fortunei (purple wintercreeper) in front of men from Theta Chi Fraternity Weed Wrangle at Lower Cascades 2023. Photo by Gillian Field

To engage our allies, the Urban Greenspace team will partner with MC-IRIS, CanopyBloomington, and other nonprofits, along with neighborhoods, places of worship, corporations, and the county school system to involve them all in invasive species education and action.

We’ll provide hands-on education in invasive species control and continue to infuse this project with volunteer energy and ongoing community support. Daily Weed Wrangle events have helped us grow the Adopt a Greenspace program from 5 to 40 volunteers since 2022, and Weed Wrangle hours have grown enormously, placing them on track to exceed last year’s whopping 3,000 hours. It is through the Adopt a Greenspace program that we’ve been able to gauge the willingness of our community to support an environmental restoration project such as the Winslow-Crestmont Wildlife Corridor. And with some degree of conviction, we know that a wildlife corridor initiative will spark the imagination of even more people and inspire them towards taking action to secure water quality, increased carbon sequestration, native tree canopy, and wildlife corridors.

The Urban Greenspace team is excited to create partnerships that will bring out the best in our community, and by staying in touch with SICIM supporters like you, we’ll continue to bolster our relentless perseverance! We look forward to hearing your story soon!

MC-IRIS (Monroe County - Identify and Reduce Invasive Species) is a coalition of Monroe County citizens aimed at reducing the environmental and economic impact of invasive species in Monroe County through education and action. https://www.mc-iris.org/

CanopyBloomington is a social impact organization in Bloomington, IN whose mission is to grow and sustainably manage Bloomington's urban forest for the many environmental, health, economic, and social benefits of trees with a focus on tree equity and community engagement. https://www.canopybloomington.org/

Adopt a Greenspace volunteers choose a city greenspace that is meaningful to them. Along with receiving training and instruction on invasive identification and removal techniques, all tools and equipment are provided. The only prerequisite to adopt a greenspace is to have a genuine concern for the well-being of our natural resources. You can learn more here: https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/parks/adopt-a-greenspace

The Winslow-Crestmont Wildlife Corridor project is inspired in part by the City of Bloomington Environmental Commission’s recommendation to increase habitat connectivity. The Environmental Commission  Habitat Connectivity Plan strives to increase existing greenspace to foster a healthy and stable ecosystem.

SICIM Hiring Part-Time Regional Specialist in Northwest Indiana

SICIM is hiring! Looking for a part-time Regional Specialist in the Northwest region of Indiana. See description below. Click here for pdf description of position.

Position Title: Regional Specialist, part-time (20 hrs/week)

Location: Northwest Indiana, office location is negotiable within the Arrowhead Country RC&D counties (indicated below)

Salary: $24,000

Application deadline: COB July 21, 2023

Description

The State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management (SICIM) is a 501-c-3 non-profit organization who is working with partners statewide to protect, restore, and enhance Indiana’s landscapes by coordinating efforts to identify, prevent, and control invasive species. SICIM has entered into a second contribution agreement with the USDA-NRCS to develop a local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) in every county in Indiana. The Arrowhead RC&D has partnered with SICIM in NW Indiana to sponsor Regional Specialist positions dedicated to local CISMAs in northwest Indiana, including Cass, Fulton, Jasper, Marshall, Newton, Pulaski, Starke, and White Counties within the RC&D’s area as well as other counties depending on location of applicant.

Qualifications and Experience

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources field or equivalent experience

• Vehicle and valid drivers’ license – significant travel will be required

• Working knowledge of invasive species and vegetative management practices

• Flexibility to work irregular schedule including evenings and weekends

• Excellent communication and organizational skills

• Ability to work independently and set priorities within broad goals and objectives

• Computer skills including experience with MS Office and social networking platforms

• Good physical condition – ability to participate in educational and work activities in natural areas with rough terrain in all weather conditions

Preferable:

• Experience coordinating volunteers

• Project management experience

Duties and Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the Regional Specialist is to work with the current NW Regional Specialist and the Arrowhead RC&D, Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), and other conservation organizations to develop and coordinate activities with CISMAs in northwest Indiana.

The Regional Specialist will:

• Facilitate and lead the establishment of local CISMAs in areas where none exist;

• Strengthen leadership, goals, and networks of CISMAs who have formed and need help getting more momentum and enthusiasm in their area. Help fire up the base!

• Continue to create awareness where needed of the program among key target constituencies such as County Extension and Soil and Water Conservation District staff, District Foresters and Wildlife Specialists, park and highway department personnel, and the general public.

• Tracking, reporting and follow-up on all aspects of the project including preparation of project reports.

• Provide invasive species surveys and management plans to private landowners

Other duties and responsibilities include:

• Strengthen involvement and relationships with SICIM’s partner organizations.

• Plan and facilitate events in cooperation with SWCD staff and other partners;

• Help CISMAs identify and secure local sources of human and financial resources;

• Assist with training of Indiana Conservation Partnership staff;

• Identify training materials and develop resource kits for local CISMAs;

• Serve as a facilitator and trainer for local CISMAs;

• Work with SWCD boards and other partners to develop opportunities and resources for new CISMAs.

This is a part time position, with an expected 20-hour work week. Schedules are flexible, with some night and weekend work expected. Limited paid holidays and PTO are included, as well as mileage reimbursement. No other benefits are provided.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to SICIM’s Executive Director, Stephanie Schuck, at stephanie@sicim.info or by phone at 812-653-5563.

To apply, submit a resume, cover letter, and three work-related references to Stephanie Schuck, stephanie@sicim.info, by July 21.

For more information on SICIM and its mission, partners, and programs, please visit our website at http://www.sicim.info/ .

SICIM is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Knox County CISMA Education Program Reaches Local Students

By Will Drews

Thanks to the help of a SICIM small grant in 2021, the Knox County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) has been able to reach local students with a curriculum on native and invasive plants as well as hands-on projects. COVID put a damper on reaching teachers and students, but since 2022, the Knox County CISMA has been busy putting the classroom resources together and getting out to local area classes. The invasive species curriculum was designed to meet Indiana middle school and high school standards. As part of the curriculum, a PowerPoint presentation on invasive plants and native habitats was developed specific to Knox County as well as several activities that could be completed in the classroom or outside.

So far, two area high schools, Lincoln High School and North Knox High School, have received classroom materials and lesson plans. In Fall of 2022, CISMA Coordinator Will Drews was able to work with North Knox Science Teacher Jennifer Nettles and present on invasive and native plants to 4 classes with the Knox County Invasive Species Curriculum materials reaching around 80 high school students. In the Spring of 2023, Will Drews and CISMA members presented materials to Lincoln High School Biology Teacher Rene LaMontagna, and they coordinated the planting of a native plant Monarch Waystation with two biology classes, reaching about 40 high school students.

The Knox County Invasive Species Curriculum materials are easily customizable for other counties in Indiana, and if you are interested, feel free to reach out to Will Drews at willem.drews@in.nacdnet.net for more information.

March 2023 Invasive Plant of the Month

Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)

Also known as Garden or Common star of Bethlehem, grass lily, nap-at-noon, eleven-o'clock lady, and sleepydick, Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is an herbaceous perennial plant that invades disturbed areas, meadows, cemetery prairies and sunny to semi-shaded banks of streams and drainage ditches, displacing native species and invading high-quality natural habitats. Star of Bethlehem is native to most of southern and central Europe, north-western Africa and south-western Asia, and was first introduced into the US as an ornamental plant. This species has been reported escaping into natural areas in all 92 counties of Indiana.

IDENTIFICATION & BIOLOGY: Star of Bethlehem is an herbaceous plant in the lily family (Liliaceae) that grows from bulbs with annual renewal. The white bulbs are ovoid in shape and measure 0.5-1.5 inches in length. The basal leaves are shiny, dark green in color, narrow and linear with distinct white midrib that are hollow in a cross-section. White flowers with 6 petals that resemble a star occur at the ends of hairless flowering stems (scapes) and can grow up to 1 ft. in height but are normally shorter. The umbel-like raceme contains 3-10 flowers and seed pods are a 3-lobed capsule containing several oval black seeds. It blooms from May to June with flowers opening in the morning and closing at noon. The bulbs are toxic, containing glycosides similar to Digitalis, which can cause shortness of breath, skin irritation and severe swelling, and has been known to poison livestock. The foliage dies back in summer as the plant go dormant.

Star of Bethlehem bulb and leaves

Photo by Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Star of Bethlehem flowers

Photo by Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Star of Bethlehem fruits

Photo by Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Star of Bethlehem distribution map

EDDMapS. 2023. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available online at http://www.eddmaps.org/; last accessed March 24, 2023.

Star of Bethlehem infestation

Photo by Mark Frey, The Presidio Trust, Bugwood.org

LOOK-A-LIKES: Star of Bethlehem resembles wild garlic (Nothoscordum bivalve), wild onion (Allium spp.), and spring beauty (Claytonia virginica) when emerging in spring, but lacks the odor of wild garlic and onion. Another similar species, nodding star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum nutans) is also a non-native and has been known to escape cultivation.

HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION: Star of Bethlehem prefers full sun to semi-shade in fertile loam soil and moist to mesic conditions. It can be found along the banks of rivers and streams, disturbed habitats, early succession forest, forest edge, floodplain forest, wet meadows, yards and gardens. It has been reported in every county of Indiana and in many Eastern and Midwestern states, as well as California and a few other Western states.

ECOLOGICAL THREAT: Star of Bethlehem causes potential threats to native vegetation by escaping cultivation and spreading rapidly, invading high-quality natural habitats, which can put pressure on and displace native species.

CONTROL:

Prevention – The first priority to limit the spread of this invader is to stop the use of Star of Bethlehem in ornamental landscape plantings and remove it from any existing intentional plantings.

Manual – Bulbs can be dug out as the plant emerges in spring. It is imperative that all bulbs are removed and disposed of. When digging it is important to avoid leaving any bulbs or bulblets in the ground. Any dirt that is removed along with root parts should not be put back into unaffected areas since any missed bulb or bulb fragments can give rise to a new population.

Chemical – Star-of Bethlehem is non-responsive to several herbicides. More research is currently being conducted.

IMPORTANT: The pesticide label is the law! When using any chemical control, always read the entire pesticide label carefully, follow all mixing and application instructions and use all personal protective gear and clothing specified. Contact the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) for additional pesticide use requirements, restrictions or recommendations.

Maintenance – Initial control efforts should be monitored regularly over the course of multiple years such that continued chemical and/or cultural control of persistent or new infestations may be required.

REFERENCES & OTHER RESOURCES:

• https://www.eddmaps.org/species/subject.cfm?sub=6109

• https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/56137-Ornithogalum-umbellatum

• https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/starbeth.htm

• https://www.invasive.org/gist/products/handbook/methods-handbook.pdf

• https://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail/?project=misin&id=428&cname=Star+of+Bethlehem

• https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ORUM

• https://www.invasive.org/weedcd/pdfs/wow/star-of-bethlehem.pdf

• https://www.invasive.org/alien/pubs/midatlantic/ornu-orum.htm

LOOK-A-LIKE REFERENCES:

• https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/false_garlic.html 

• https://www.invasive.org/alien/pubs/midatlantic/ornu-orum.htm 

• https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ALLIU

• https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/spring_beauty.htm

Invasive Plant Regulation in Knox County

By Will Drews, SICIM Chair

National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is a great week to spread the word about invasive species, but it is also a great time (as state and federal representatives are in session) to discuss legislative action that can be taken to address invasive species. Besides at the state and federal level, local counties and municipalities have the authority to pass regulations (i.e. ordinances) to address invasive species. At the local level, Knox County was the first county in Indiana to pass an invasive plant ordinance.

Three of the 64 invasive species in the Knox County ordinance.

On Tuesday, August 7th, 2018, Knox County made history in Indiana by passing the first comprehensive terrestrial invasive plant regulation in the state. The county ordinance, passed by the Knox County Commissioners, prevented the sale, trade, and import of 64 different invasive plant species in Knox County, including popular landscaping invasive plants like Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana), Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus), Chinese Silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis), and more. Knox County was ahead of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Terrestrial Plant Rule that prohibits 44 species (included in the 64 prohibited in Knox County) throughout the entire state of Indiana. This was a win for all agricultural producers, recreationalists, foresters, environmentalists, and general landowners in Knox County.

Since the beginning of 2020, over 1,000 invasive plants (of 10 different invasive plant species) have been removed from sale in Knox County. The top invasive species prevented are English Ivy (Hedera helix), Chinese Silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis), and Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei), respectively.

It is important to know your local officials and educate them about the impact of invasive species. You never know what may come of it.

Invasive Species Regulation on State and Local Levels

By Dugan Julian, SICIM Regional Specialist

For invasive species management, it is important to understand local and state regulations and how they can help to limit the use and spread of invasives. In Indiana we have the Terrestrial Plant Rule, which regulates the sale of 44 species statewide and is carried out by the DNR Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology.

Local governments (including county, city/municipality, and townships) are authorized (and in some cases mandated) to control, or order to control, a number of invasive species and/or detrimental plants within their geopolitical zones (1).  The degree of enforcement, or even existence of enforcement, varies greatly throughout the state and is typically used as more of a “stick” than a “carrot” approach.  While your locality may differ, below are the various forms that local plant management may take:

1.     County Weed Board (2): Code allows “The legislative body of a municipality or county may by ordinance require the owners of real property located within the municipality or the unincorporated area of the county to cut and remove weeds and other rank vegetation growing on the property.” Exempt from this authority are agricultural crops.

2.     County Commissioners/Legislators can establish their own list of noxious weeds and rank vegetation for their respective counties, as well as establishing various standards for when enforcement is to be done.  Many Weed Boards use the Noxious Weed List as a starting point, adding those species in their area that are most likely to disrupt agricultural production. 

3.     Township Trustees: Township Trustees are elected executives in every township of each county.  Some have designated offices while others operate out of their own homes.  No matter their location, they are mandated (3) to investigate the potential presence of detrimental plants on any real estate in the Township.  If detrimental plants are found, the Trustee is ordered to officially notify the landowner that they need to destroy the plants.  If the landowner doesn’t comply, the Trustee (or their designee, including county law enforcement) is authorized to enter the real estate in question, destroy the plants in question, and charge the landowner the cost of the equipment and/or chemicals for the removal. 

4.     Cities and municipalities can and have instituted their own plant bans, under the same authority that counties utilize. For example, South Bend has implemented a ban on the invasive Callery/Bradford Pear Tree, among other plants, in addition to the State’s Terrestrial Plant Rule. Callery Pear is no longer planted by the City of Bloomington, and it is disallowed in new developments by the City’s Unified Development Ordinance. Knox County also has an ordinance on certain invasive species. These types of local bans typically limit the sale or exchange of the specified plants.  Some start only as guidance for the city/municipality itself, but others expand to all people within the limits of those places. 

Local governments can often move faster in response to issues like invasive species than state or federal governments, and they are more likely to respond directly to the citizenry.  Like everyone else, elected officials can make the best decisions with the most information; education is paramount and engagement is extremely important, and both rely on the citizenry. 

1)    Indiana Code (IC) 15-16-8-1

2)    IC (2022) 36-7-10

3)    IC 15-16-8-4

Hamilton County SWCD Hiring Intern

The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District (Noblesville, IN) is hiring a summer intern to support their Hamilton County Invasives Partnership invasive species mapping project.  They are looking for an individual who is comfortable with self-directed field work and data collection.  Experience in identifying central Indiana invasive species and their native look-a-likes is a plus but training will be provided.

Click below to download full job description.  Candidates will apply via the Hamilton County Government job portal (Part-Time Soil and Water Intern). 

https://www.hamiltonswcd.org/jobs--internships.html

This is a paid, part-time (up to 28 hours a week).

Our "Ask Me About Invasive Plants" shirts are BAAAAAAAACK!

That’s right! Our Indiana Invasives Initiative shirt is available again! Perfect timing as we are all planning our events and Weed Wrangles for spring. Now you can cut that honeysuckle in style! We have more options in both long and short sleeve, color, and material (triblend and cotton). FYI - our vendor (Good Sports in Bedford, IN) will print shirts in bulk and send out monthly, so if you order early in the month, it might take a month to receive it.

SICIM receives a portion of the sales for each shirt, so while you are spreading the word by wearing it, you are also contributing to our important work to help protect natural areas in Indiana.

To see what’s available and to order visit the Good Sports website. To learn more about the Indiana Invasives Initiative, go to our website.

November 2022 Invasive Plant of the Month

Nonnative Wisteria:

Sweet Chinese Wisteria, Wisteria sinensis (Sims.) DC, Japanese Wisteria, Wisteria floribunda (Willd.) DC, and Silky Wisteria, Wisteria venusta (Rehd. & Wils)

Wisterias are a popular landscape perennial vine due to their stunning, often fragrant (Japanese and Sweet Chinese wisterias), white, purple and blue-violet flowers. They have been planted due to their attractive looks, but they are invasive, which means they cause harm when grown in areas they are not native to. American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) is an excellent alternative to the invasive nonnative ones. Three nonnative wisterias native to Asia (note Sweet Chinese and Japanese denote their native ranges) are often sold and used in landscapes. They were introduced to North American beginning in the 1800’s as ornamentals. Both Sweet Chinese and Japanese wisterias have been grown as decorative additions to porches, walls, gardens, gazebos, etc. There are many cultivars of all three species and Japanese and Sweet Chinese wisterias hybridize with each other. Wisterias are a member of the pea family, Fabaceae, and are vigorous woody vines that can reach lengths of 70 feet long or as long as the tree they are climbing and be 15 inches in diameter on older plants. They create dense infestations that topple trees and densely cover the ground with running vines.

IDENTIFICATION & BIOLOGY:  Leaves: Leaves of wisterias are alternate and compound consisting of 7-13 (Chinese), 13-19 (Japanese), and 9-13 (Silky) ovate-oblong to ovate-elliptic leaflets with stalks that have swollen bases and tapering leaf tips. They are green and hairless at maturity but densely hairy when young. Leaf margins are entire and wavy.  Stems: Wisteria vine stems are somewhat smooth. Vine color varies from grey-brown to tan (Chinese) to whitish (Japanese). Stems can grow up to 10 feet per growing season. Flowers: Flowers range from white (Silky) to purple, violet-blue (Japanese), to blue and blue-violet (Chinese). Cultivar colors vary. They are arranged in 6-12-inch-long dangling racemes packed with one-half to one-inch flowers. Nonnative wisterias can take up to 15 years to flower. Flowering begins in late March and continues through May. Sweet Chinese wisteria flowers open all at once while Japanese wisteria flowers open from the back to the front. All three nonnative wisteria species open before the leaves fully develop.  Fruits: Fruits are 4-6-inch-long velutinous pods that contain one to eight flat, round, brown seeds with constrictions between each seed (Photograph 4) that develop July through November. The greenish brown to golden colored seed pods often remain on the vine throughout fall and winter. The vines of Sweet Chinese Wisteria twine counterclockwise, while the vines of Japanese Wisteria twine clockwise. There are at least 18 cultivars of Sweet Chinese wisteria and many of Japanese wisteria. Sweet Chinese Wisteria hybridizes with Japanese wisteria (W. x formosa). Spread: These long-lived species reproduce primarily by vegetative means via numerous stolons that develop roots and shoots at short intervals.

Invasive wisterias distribution map

Photo: Courtesy of EDDMapS, 2022. Early Detection and Distribution Maps.

Invasive wisteria foliage and flowers

Photo: Dawn Slack

Chinese wisteria flowers

Photo: Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

Chinese wisteria foliage

Photo: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Chinese wisteria pods and seeds

Photo: James H. Miller & Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, Bugwood.org

Invasive wisteria seed pods

Photo: Dawn Slack

Nonnative wisteria invasion in Daviess County, IN

Photo: Emily Finch

Invasive wisteria vines

Photo: Dawn Slack

Invasive wisteria vine

Photo: Dawn Slack

Invasive wisteria infestation with runners in TN

Photo: Dawn Slack

Invasive wisteria foliage

Photo: Dawn Slack

LOOK-A-LIKES: The native American wisteria (W. frutescens) may be confused with nonnative wisterias. American wisteria is less aggressive, occurs in wet forests and edges, and matures sooner whereas nonnative wisterias can take years to flower. American wisteria flowers after the leaves develop and later in the growing season (June through August). Overall, American wisteria flowers are shorter and rounder and more compact compared to the longer pendulous blossoms of the nonnative wisterias. American wisteria is also less aromatic than Sweet Chinese or Japanese wisteria. The long, twisted seed pod of American wisteria is smooth or not as hairy compared to the very velvety, shorter and untwisted pods of the nonnative wisterias.

HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION:  Infestations are frequently found escaped from homesites where it invades forests and forest edges. The ideal habitat is full sun, but it will persist in partial shade. It grows on wet to dry sites and colonizes by vines twining and covering shrubs and trees and by runner rooting at nodes when vines cover leaf litter. It topples trees and creates sunny openings that favor aggressive growth. Seeds are large and therefore dispersed by water instead of animals.  These nonnative, invasive wisterias are found extensively throughout the eastern United States. Infestations have been reported from New York to Florida, west to the Great Lakes states south to Arkansas and Texas. Infestations have also been reported in Washington state (Figure 1).

ECOLOGICAL THREAT: Wisteria species can live 50 to 100 years, girdling and crushing trees and structures with its weight. The vine spreads by rooting at each node and through stolons (above ground stems) that develop roots and shoots at short intervals, creating dense infestations. Wisterias are toxic to humans and pets.  It can overtop, shade out, weigh down, and break woody structures, as well as shrubs and trees. Wisteria infestations reduce native plant species diversity and disrupt wildlife habitat.

CONTROL: Efforts should be made to educate natural resource professionals and landowners on nonnative wisteria identification to improve early detection and control. Where it already occurs, control should be conducted before it produces seed in mid-to late June. Existing populations are most effectively controlled with post-emergent herbicide before fruit sets in summer. Control efforts and monitoring should continue until no wisteria plants remain.

Prevention: Avoid using nonnative wisteria species in landscaped areas.

Mechanical: This is only recommended for small vines, or in sensitive areas where chemical herbicide should not be used. This is labor-intensive and requires constant mowing all season to prevent the vine from developing flowers and seeds and exhaust the plant. This is likely to take more than one growing season.

Biological: There are no known biological control methods for nonnative wisteria at this time.

Chemical: Large infestations or vines can be controlled with a cut stem treatment. In the spring or summer, when the vine is actively growing, cut it close to ground level as near to the root collar as possible and immediately brush the cut surface with a systemic herbicide concentrate of 20% such as a glyphosate containing product. Use a foliar application and spray new sprouts with a 2% concentrate broadleaf herbicide, taking care to avoid spraying on surrounding nontarget plants. Repeat as necessary on new sprouts.  Use foliar spray herbicide treatments to control large infestations while also treating large vines with cut stem method. Repeated burning will not control wisteria infestations.

Nonnative wisterias are vigorous growers. It will take repeated treatments, along with annual monitoring for many years to control and eradicate populations. The sheer volume of biomass within these infestations can take several growing seasons to rot. Cut vines that are left around trees will resprout and continue to girdle a tree if not treated repeatedly during a growing season or removed completely.

To report an invasive species that is invading natural areas, use Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS): https://www.eddmaps.org/report/

IMPORTANT: The pesticide label is the law! When using any chemical control, always read the entire pesticide label carefully, follow all mixing and application instructions and use all personal protective gear and clothing specified. Contact the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) for additional pesticide use requirements, restrictions, or recommendations. SICIM does not endorse any specific pesticide brand.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Invasive.org: Chinese wisteria, Wisteria sinensis Fabales: Fabaceae (invasive.org)

Penn State Invasive Plant Species Management: ISM_QS_9_Woody Vines.pdf

Purdue University Extension Invasive Plant Series:

Wisteria A Mystery for Most Gardeners - Indiana Yard and Garden - Purdue Consumer HorticulturePurdue University Indiana Yard and Garden – Purdue Consumer Horticulture

Plant Conservation Alliance’s Alien Plant Working Group:

file:///D:/III/Invasive%20Species%20Work/Invasive%20Species/Specific%20Species/Wisteria/exoticwisterias.pdf

USDA Forest Service. Weed of the Week: Microsoft Word - Exotic wisterias.doc (invasive.org)

REFERENCES:

Gleason, H. A. and A. Cronquist. 1991. Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada. Second Edition. The New York Botanical Garden.

EDDMapS. 2022. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available online at http://www.eddmaps.org/; last accessed November 28, 2022.

Miller, James H., E. B. Chambliss and N. J. Loewenstein. 2012. A Field Guide for the Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests.

Miller, James H., S. T. Manning and S. R. Enloe. 2010. A Management Guide for Invasive Plants in Southern Forests.

Plant Conservation Alliance. 2005. Fact Sheet: Exotic Wisterias. Accessed November 21, 2022: file:///D:/III/Invasive%20Species%20Work/Invasive%20Species/Specific%20Species/Wisteria/exoticwisterias.pdf

Landowner Training in Dubois County

By Emily Finch

The Invasive Species Awareness Coalition (ISAC) of Dubois County first helped host the Invasive Plant Control Training for Landowners in 2019, and continued the program in 2021 and 2022 due to popular demand.  Every year we have held this event we have maxed out our registration at 45 participants.  We couldn’t hold this training without our partners at Purdue Extension, the Dubois SWCD, and Indiana DNR Forestry.  In fact, the training’s success is in large part due to its location at the Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center (SIPAC) in Dubois, Indiana which allows us to combine indoor instruction with practical field demonstrations.  The property has a large indoor area with ample seating and projection equipment, surrounded by forest tracts being managed by Purdue Extension Forester Ron Rathfon. Purdue’s “people movers” allow us to transport attendees to several locations on the property where we demonstrate the use of hand tools, herbicide sprayers, and large brush mowing equipment.  Due to Ron’s management of the property and ongoing research, attendees also visit sites being managed with prescribed grazing by goats and prescribed fire. 

We have adjusted the training slightly over the years based on feedback.  We originally started it as a 1.5 day training, but with several participants traveling from as far away as Indianapolis, we changed in 2021 to a single day training.  We do charge a registration fee, which started at $20 and increased in 2022 to $25.  This covers training materials and lunch, and we usually have a small amount of money left over that goes towards other ISAC outreach expenses.  Instead of spending a lot of time on invasive plant ID, the program focuses on the principles of invasive management and control options.  We cover the various invasive control tools/options, the importance of integrated pest management, how to prioritize efforts and resources, as well as technical and financial resources available to landowners in Indiana.  In addition to packets with information on common invasive plants and management resources, we have also started to compile a google drive folder with additional resources and copies of the powerpoint presentations for attendees and those on the waitlist to access.  If any other CISMAs are interested in accessing these materials they can contact Emily Finch at emily.finch@in.nacdnet.net.  

More information on ISAC can be found on our website: www.isacdc.org, or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ISACofDuboisCounty/.