Invasive Plant Alert!

 I received this message this morning from Gretchen and Jim Farnsworth (Sandy Beach Rd):

Hi Jane,
Jim and found some purple loosestrife growing on the shoreline near our house. Since it is an invasive we have removed the plant with as much root as we could, but 1st we put a garbage bag over the flowers to try to contain seeds as much as possible. If it’s a single plant it’s easy to remove but once it gets a foothold it’s a bigger task. I have noticed it making a comeback along the roadsides this year. If anyone else sees this invasive growing it would be great if they could remove it and discard either in the trash or burn it. I sent you the link from Vt Fish and Wildlife.

https://vtfishandwildlife.com/learn-more/landowner-resources/liep-invasive-species-program/terrestrial-invasive-plants/purple-loosestrife

Thanks to Gretchen and Jim for noticing and taking care of this very invasive and undesirable plant. Keep an eye out on your property and your neighbor's and do whatever it takes to keep it from spreading. Although it may look pretty, it will choke out native plants and clog waterways, causing changes in food and shelter for important wildlife, and is not useful to any species - plus, it takes over incredibly quickly, so you need to be vigilant and act quickly, following the steps Gretchen outlined above. 

Stay cool and safe in this unreasonable weather!