Invasive Species

LESSON PLAN:

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LESSONS CREATED IN CONJUNCTION WITH 2012 GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD

INVASIVE SPECIES LESSON PLAN

CONTENTS

Japanese Knotweed Photo by Tarin Rickett

Introduction ................................................................ 3-4 Lesson Plans ............................................................ 5-11 Connecting to Scouting ................................................ 9 Invasive Plant Examples ........................................ 12-17 Purple Loosestrife .................................................. 13 Japanese Knotweed .............................................. 14 Mugwort ................................................................ 15 Porcelain Berry ...................................................... 16 Giant Hogweed ..................................................... 17 Other Invasive ...................................................18-19 Resources .................................................................. 20 Acknowledgments ....................................................... 21
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Introduction
Hello! My name is Tarin Rickett, and I am a Girl Scout in Troop 1234 in Croton-on-Hudson, NY. The pamphlet you are currently reading is part of my Girl Scout Gold Award. A Gold Award is similar to the Boy Scout Eagle Award; it is the highest honor a scout can earn. To earn the Gold Award, a girl must develop a project, carry out the plan, and then ensure that the concept can live on to benet the community. For my project, I decided to focus on invasive species, and titled it Educating About and Removing Invasive Plants. Invasive species pose a serious threat to ecosystems across the globe. Sometimes, when a nonnative species is introduced to a new area, it is able to grow in the unfamiliar environment. When this happens, it often begins to reproduce rapidly, vivaciously consuming

Examining Mugwort Photo by Susan Sammon

How to pull out the Mugwort Photo by Susan Sammon

tremendous amounts of resources, as they have no natural predators in this new habitat, and thus, are able to run unchecked. This in turn reduces the amount of native species, completely throwing off the local ecosystems and food chains. This issue came to my attention in my own community and I decided to do my part to increase education in order to reduce the negative effects of invasive species. I worked with Susan Sammon, a certied teacher, to develop a lesson plan in accordance with education standards inspired by Blooms Taxonomy Method. I also worked with Charlie Roberto, a local environmental activist, to learn more about some of the worst invasive plants that plague our community. Finally, I presented

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INVASIVE SPECIES LESSON PLAN

to Katie Brennans two fth grade classes as a test case to ensure its effectiveness. My lesson plan is presented in three parts: education, observation, and removal. In my test run with the fth graders, I worked in the classroom once, and then we took two separate eld trips: one in the fall and one in the spring. All three activities went incredibly well. So far, I have conrmed the effectiveness of my lesson plan within the education community, but in order for my project to make a greater impact, I need to expand the reach of my lessons to even more organizations. Thats how this pamphlet becomes useful. In here, you will nd the lesson plan I developed, a small guide to some of the most threatening invasive plants in

Catch of the day Photo by Susan Sammon

our area, and a resources page to learn more. I hope you will be able to use this information to educate those in your own community, whether that be in a club, classroom, troop, or even friends and family! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about my project, feel free to contact me at my projects website, trickett96.wix.com/goldaward, or email me directly at trickett96@gmail.com.

Everyones surprised at how much Mugwort was removed! Photo by Susan Sammon

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INVASIVE SPECIES LESSON PLAN

The Lesson Plans

Introduction
I created this lesson plan about invasive species using the ideas presented in Blooms Taxonomy. The lesson is presented in three parts: education observation, and nally, removal. In my trials, all three aspect took an hour and a half, which the education and observation parts within the same week in the fall, with a removal follow-up in the spring. In my trial run on the eld, we luckily were able to have some parents join us on our trips. This was extremely helpful, although not necessary. If you plan on just yourself, you should be able to manage ne without the extra help.

Adapting for the Kids

I developed these lessons for a younger middle school age group, for fourth, fth, or sixth grade. I believe these can all be easily adapted, however, to suit an older or younger group.

Porcelain Berry Photo by Tarin Rickett

Also included is a Connecting to Scouting page. On this page, youll nd a list of Girl and Boy Scout badges/award/etc that can be tied in with these lessons. These are a great way to get kids in Scout groups interested and participating in these invasive plant removal activities.

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The Lesson Plans

Finding a Park
It can seem daunting trying to nd a suitable park for your eld trips. However, there are a surprising and appalling amount of invasive species pretty much anywhere you look. Take a visit to any nearby public park, lake, or even check the school yard and you should be able to identify some invasive plants. Look for large clumps of a single species of plant. Also, you may want to check with your local parks and recreation department before you begin removing these weeds. Theres a good chance theyll have no problem with your trip, as it will help the health of the park, but you should always inform the areas overseers of your plans.
Japanese Knotweed Photo by Tarin Rickett

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Downloads
At my website, trickett96.wix.com/goldaward, you can nd extended information, including downloadable les to use in the lessons. You can visit the website by simply typing it into your web browser, but you can also visit in on your smartphone as well using the QR Code below. To use this QR Code and access the website: 1. Download a QR Reader app in your smartphones app store. Some free apps include QR Reader for iPhone; i-nigma for iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and Windows Phone; or Zapper Scanner for iPhone. Using your app, scan the QR Code below. Explore the site, download, and learn more

2. 3.

Note: Materials listed on the following pages of the lesson plan in bold are available for download on this website

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Part One: Education

Objectives:
1. 2. 3. Show basic understanding of what invasive species are Observe characteristics of local plant species Justify why invasive species should be removed
Sample of Japanese Knotweed in late Fall Photo by Tarin Rickett

Materials/Resources Needed:

Handouts: Samples of invasive plant specimens in your area (preferably, samples of the species you will be pulling later) Observation handout, if applicable Materials: SmartBoard for showing invasive species slideshow Rulers for specimen measurements Magnifying glasses for observations Notebooks/observation packet

Procedure:
1. 2. 3. 4. Present a slideshow on the basics of invasive species Divide into a sub-group for each invasive species specimen you have; pass out the sample plant cuttings to each group Give the students time to observe and record Have each group present their ndings. During these presentations, ensure that the other students are recording the ndings, as this is what they will be using to identify the plants later during the observation and removal eld trips
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Tarin Rickett Girl Scouts Heart-of-the Hudson Gold Award Project 2012

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Part Two: Observation

Objectives:
1. 2. 3. 4. Show basic understanding of what invasive species are Observe characteristics of local plant species Identify local invasive plant species Justify why invasive species should be removed

Materials/Resources Needed:

Handouts: None Materials: Transportation Filled out notebooks or observation handout

Procedure:
1. Give a brief overview of the Students identify both Japanese Knotweed and Mugwort days activities. State that the Photo by Susan Sammon class will be identifying and observing local invasive species. Make sure each child brings along their observation handout for a guide. There are a number of activities you could do during this aspect. You could: a. Have each child nd and identify (using the lled out observation packets) a specimen of each species discussed prior (like a checklist scavenger hunt) b. Take a tour of the park, discussing each invasive plant as you move along

2.

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Part Three: Removal

Objectives:
1. 2. Identify local invasive plant species Justify why invasive species should be removed

Materials/Resources Needed:

Handouts: None Materials: Its easy to pull Mugwort all the way Black garbage bags to dispose of plants down to the roots! Photo by Susan Sammon Gloves, if applicable Grass seed, to restore the landscape after removal of invasive plants

Procedure:
1. 2. 3. Begin by reviewing how to identify the invasive plant species the group will remove. Bring the children to the area and demonstrate how best to remove the invasive plant species (see plant id pages). There are several approaches you could use during this period: a. Split the children into groups and see which group can clear their designated area the fastest. b. Have children take turns pulling a weed from a designated area (better in smaller groups and smaller areas). c. Have each child pull a specimen of each invasive species discussed and then compare and contrast the different removal techniques, if applicable. If your eld trips are far apart, you may want to point out the growth of the plants. Have the children match up photos from the rst eld trip.
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4.

Tarin Rickett Girl Scouts Heart-of-the Hudson Gold Award Project 2012

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Connecting to Scouting
Girl Scouts of America
Invasive Plant Patch: The Girl Scouts of Connecticut have developed an Invasive Plant Patch available for Girl Scouts of any level! Visit http://www.juneauinvasives.org/docs/ Girl_Scouts_Invasive_Plant_Badge.pdf.pdf to view the requirements and purchase the patches.

Boy Scouts of America

Plant Science Merit Badge: To earn this badge, it requires one to List ve invasive nonnative plants in your area and tell how they may be harmful. Tell how the spread of invasive plants may be avoided or controlled in ways that are not damaging to humans, wildlife, and the environment as well as giving the option to Tell about land management activities such as controlled burning, or measures to eradicate invasive (nonnative) plants or other threats to the plants that are native to the area.

GSA Invasive Plant Patch

BSA Plant Science Badge

Ranger Award: Venture Crew is a division of Boy

Scouting geared towards high adventure activities. Both girls and boys ages 14-21 are able to join Crew. Venture Crew

scouts are given the option to Plan, lead, and carry out a signicant conservation project on invasive species control. Invasive Species Merit Badge: The BSA is currently in the process of developing an Invasive Species Merit Badge. You can visit http://www.scoutmasterbucky.com/ for more information.

BSA Invasive Species Badge

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The Invasive Plants

Introduction
On these pages, youll nd some identication sheets on several invasive species in our local area. You can use these in your own lessons, or check below for some other common invasive species (see www.nativeplantcenter.org/plantsnew.htm for more). This is very dependent on the park youll be working in, so be sure to check there rst and attempt to identify which plants seem to be the most widely distributed and destructive.

Tips and Tricks

Be wary of the seasons youll be working in. Different invasive plants will be more or less visible at different times. Although this is another point you could work into the lessons themselves, its fairly vital for the plants to be visible. Double check every plant youre working with. Some plants (see: Giant Hogweed, right) can be poisonous and even deadly. Make sure youre using the right equipment and safety precautions. Giant Hogweed Photo by GerardM / Make sure you do the research before conducting Wikimedia Commons / CC-BYthe removal portions of the lessons. For example, SA-3.0 / GFDL it may appear that the invasive plants are completely eradicated from an area, but in some cases, if the children did not pull out the roots as well, you might have just helped spread the plants! After removing invasive plants from an area, be sure to dispose of them properly. The best way to do this is to place the plants in a large, black garbage bag. Tie the bag tightly and leave it in the sun for a day. This will seal the plants in and dry them out so they die.
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Purple Loosestrife

Left: A eld of Purple Loosestrife; Above: close up of the gorgeous purple owers

All Purple Loosestrife photos courtesy of Carly from the Neponset River Watershed

Background Information Purple Loosestrife may be pretty, but dont let it fool you. It is native to Europe, Asia, and regions of Africa and Australia, but after its arrival to North America in the 1880s, its had catastrophic effects. It currently infests every state in the continental US (except for Florida), and it found in every Canadian province. Appearance Purple Loosestrife tends to grow somewhere between three and four feet but may reach heights of up to six feet! They have beautiful columns of

small purple owers, accompanied by skinny leaves. They are found in wetland areas such as swamps and marshes. Posed Danger This plant, once again, crowds out the other plants around it. It spreads extremely quickly, completely displacing entire species form the area (most often, Cattails). Because of its tendency to grow so rapidly and thickly, it often disrupts the ow of the nearby waterways as well.

Removal Currently, biological pest control methods have proven extremely successful for removing Purple Loosestrife. Several sterile species of weevils and leaf beetles have been released in areas plagued with Loosestrife and have dramatically reduced numbers. It is difcult to remove Loosestrife both physically and chemically. Cutting, mowing, burning, and herbicidal treatments are possible, but not as effective. In small patches, uprooting the plant is possible to reduce spreading. Page 13

Tarin Rickett Girl Scouts Heart-of-the Hudson Gold Award Project 2012

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Japanese Knotweed

Left: A cluster of Japanese Knotweed; Above: A sprout of Japanese Knotweed in early Spring

Above Japanese Knotweed photo courtesy of Carly from the Neponset River Watershed; Left photo by KENPEI / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0 / GFDL

Background Information The Japanese Knotweed is a woody plant native to Japan. They evolved to grow around volcanoes, making them extremely hardy and, thus, difcult to remove. They were rst brought over to North America for decorative use in the late 1800s, but since then, has spread rapidly and disastrously across the northeast. It is now recognized as one of the worlds 100 worst invasive species. Appearance Japanese Knotweed is a large and, as mentioned, extremely hardy

plant. It has a stalk similar to that of a bamboo plant, although the two are not related. They can grow up to 10 feet tall in dense thickets. In the summer, they sprout small white owers along the stems. Posed Danger The Japanese Knotweed spreads using a root system know as rhizomes. These rhizomes are able to push out the plants around it to spread across a wide area. These roots are very shallow, with very little ability to hold back dirt, causing erosion. Finally, because of the

Japanese Knotweeds height and tendency to grow in thick groups, they often shade out the undergrowth as well. Removal As mentioned, its extremely difcult to remove Japanese Knotweed. You could mow down the plants, but for this to be effective, it must be done continuously during the entire growing season. You could also use herbicides however. Glyphosate based herbicides work best. Ask a local pesticide control specialist for more. Page 14

Tarin Rickett Girl Scouts Heart-of-the Hudson Gold Award Project 2012

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Mugwort (Wormwood)

Left: a cluster of Mugwort; Above: close up of Mugworts leaves

Above photo by Walter Siegmund / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BYSA-3.0 / GFDL; Left photo by Tarin Rickett

Background Information Also known as Wormwood, Mugwort is native to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa but arrived in North America. It is sometimes used as a garnish, to soothe gastro-intestinal symptoms, and may even be smoked. However, it is toxic if ingested in large portions. Appearance Mugwort can grow up to six feet tall, although it is most often seen at heights of one to two feet. It has symmetrical leaves and small, radially

symmetrical, pale greenish-white owers that bloom in the summer. Posed Danger Mugwort also spreads by rhizomes, similar to that of the Japanese Knotweed. It crowds out plants around it and slowly takes over the underbrush of entire areas. Removal Mugwort is fairly easy to remove. You can simply pull out the plants similar to a regular weed. Hoeing works as well. However, it is vital that you remove as much of the roots as

possible as well, as otherwise the plant will simply continue growing. The tough root system is also what makes mowing/cutting the Mugwort an inefcient method of removal. Cutting down the tops of the plants may actually stimulate growth, increasing the number of shoots.

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Porcelain Berry

Left: a stem from the Porcelain Berry vine; Above: a close up of the plants colorful berries

Above photo by Porcelain Berry by Just Chaos / CC-BY-2.0; Left photo by Tarin Rickett

Background Information Porcelain Berry originated in areas of Asia and Russia. It was introduced in the 1870s for ornamental use. It spreads incredibly fast, growing up to fteen feet in a single year! Appearance The Porcelain Berry is a long vine that spreads over the tops of other plants. It has beautiful berries that range in color from blue to purple to teal. It has leaves very similar to that of the native Grape Vine. Neither of these plants are poisonous.

The main differences between the two are the berries and stems. A berry from the Porcelain Berry is white inside, where the native Grapes berries are dark. Grape Vines also have papery, shredding stems whereas the Porcelain Berrys stems are smooth. Posed Danger The Porcelain Berry is a climbing vine. This means that it grows over other (native) plants, eventually smothering it. It also is able to create such thick, dense, mats that the undergrowth is again shaded out.

Removal Luckily, it is possible to physically remove Porcelain Berry by hand. Simply pull off the vines before they begin to fruit. For large vines, cut them at the base. It is then recommended to routinely coat the leftover roots in herbicides or simply continue cutting the plant down when needed.

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Giant Hogweed

Left: a close up of the Giant Hogweeds owers; Above: stalk of this giant plant

Both photos by Huhu Uet / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BYSA-3.0 / GFDL

Background Information Giant Hogweed is an

extremely dangerous plant

that has begun taking over in New York State. It has a noxious sap on the stem that can cause blistering, permanent scarring, and even blindness. Appearance The Giant Hogweed can grow up to immense heights of fourteen feet or more! It has a hollow stem, topped with delicate white ower clusters of up to two and a half feet across.

It looks very similar to the Cow Parsnip. The main differences are that the Giant Hogweed has larger leaves and owers. Its stem often has a purplish hue or purple blotches as well. Posed Danger Obviously, these plants are hazardous to humans. However, they also effect the native eco-system as well. As the Giant Hogweed is so... well... giant, it displaces and shades out much of the native area, similar to the Japanese Knotweed. Also similar to the Japanese Knotweed, when the

Giant Hogweed takes over, it is often followed by soil erosion. Removal If you nd Giant Hogweed, call the Giant Hogweed Hotline at 1-845-256-3111 or email them at ghogweed@gw.dec.state.ny.us. Include a photo, detailed directions to the plants, and how many plants there are. If it is conrmed a Giant Hogweed plant, the NY DEC will take over the situation.

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Other Invasive Plants

Honeysuckle
Certain species of Honeysuckle have recently been classied as an invasive species in the US. Honeysuckle grows in large bushes, with sweetsmelling yellow and white bell-shaped owers with edible nectar.
Kurt Stber / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BYSA-3.0 / GFDL

Bittersweet
Oriental Bittersweet is a hardy vine that has begun invading the USA. You may remember it as a popular holiday decoration, but this plant is an aggressive invader. It attaches itself on top of other plants, shading them out and eventually killing them.
Carly from the Neponset River Watershed

Garlic Mustard
Garlic Mustard is an invasive plant especially present in the East Coast of the US. This plant has begun to take over the forest underbrush. In addition, it has chemicals toxic to larvae and eggs, and has begun to affect local buttery populations as well.
Carly from Neponset River Watershed Tarin Rickett Girl Scouts Heart-of-the Hudson Gold Award Project 2012 Page 18

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Other Invasive Plants

Mile-a-Minute
With reddish stems and arrow-headed leaves, the Mile-a-Minute vine has become a rampant invasive plant. Using curved barbs, this vine is able to attach itself to virtually any plant.

Carly from Neponset River Watershed

Phragmites
Phragmites are tall reeds that plague wetlands areas across North America. These plants release two toxins into the water, harming nearby plants. In addition, these plants are extremely hardy and difcult to remove. The best way to rid an area of Phragmites is to burn the entire area several times over 2-3 seasons.
Carly from Neponset River Watershed

Water Chestnut
Water Chestnuts, better known by their seeds nicknamed Devil Pods, are native to Asia, Europe, and Africa. They grow as reeds on top of the water, with fan-shaped leaves.
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Resources
New York State Invasive Species Council
A site dedicated to some of the most destructive invasive species in New York. [ http://www.nyis.info/ ]

New York Department of Environmental Conservation

The DECs section on invasive species. They have great, very simple, easy-to-read ID pages as well as answers to frequently asked questions. [ http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/265.html ]

National Invasive Species Information Council

Learn more specics on programs, species, organizations, and more in New York. [ http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/unitedstates/ny.shtml ]

USDA
The USDAs invasive species database. Just enter in your invasive plant focus in the search bar and nd its page for tidbits such as distribution maps, characteristics, and pictures. [ http://plants.usda.gov/java/ ]

National Invasive Species Council

Learn about upcoming events, new programs, and more from the NISC. [ http://www.invasivespecies.gov/ ]

Invasive.Org
Learn about control methods, distribution of invasive species, and more with ID pages and even a how-to section. [ http://www.invasive.org/ ]

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Acknowledgments
Katie Brennan- Mentor and Fifth Grade Teacher
Thank you so much for allowing me to work with your classes and being a wonderful teacher and an even better friend. Youve been a pleasure to work with and made this whole experience ten times easier!

Regina Hertl- GS Leader and Mentor

Thank you so much for helping me through this Gold Award process. I thank you for sticking with me, especially during those long nal hours!

Laura & Ned Rickett- My Parents

I dont think I could have ever done this without the amazing support from my family. Thanks for always keeping me on track and being my mock-fth graders (even if the actual kids were better behaved).

Charlie Roberto- Mentor and Environmental Activist

Thank you to Charlie for showing me the ropes and for being there from the very beginning!

Carly Rocklen- Photographer

Thank you so much Carly for giving me permission to use your beautiful photos in this booklet.

Susan Sammon- Mentor and Certied Teacher

Youre a great aunt and an awesome teacher. Thanks for taking the time to teach me and help me make my lesson plan great.

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