Story submitted by North Branch Land Trust

As of March, the Governor’s Invasive Species Council has developed a new statewide program which aims to aid Pennsylvania residents in the removal of invasive trees and shrubs. Not only does the program offer this assistance, but it also allows them to replace these invasives with native species for free. Posing a threat to much of Pennsylvania, invasive trees and shrubs are very present with the inclusion of Callery pear, tree-of-heaven, Norway maple, burning bush, Japanese barberry, and butterfly bush. Although these plants provide beauty and value for various landscapes, their negative ecological and economic value presents nearby natural areas with recurring issues.

The program, funded by the U.S. Forest Service, plans to host these events across the state to promote community initiative and engagement. As invasives become more apparent throughout Pennsylvania’s farms, forests, and natural ecosystems the importance lies on that of homeowners and farming neighbors who find they need to replace the invasives which continue to negatively impact the land. With hopes of alleviating concerns over invasive species moving into neighboring properties, parks, and forests, and native trees – the need to reintroduce native plant species into the area is beneficial. Creating communities which alleviate the shortcomings of the invasives and reduce the number of “escapees” in an area may also help diversify the ecosystems themselves.

How To Participate

Aside from attending one of the May events in which the replacement trees will occur, there are a few other steps which should be taken beforehand. From the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

• Remove an invasive tree or shrubs from your property or with permission from a property owner (e.g., park, library, school).
• Take a photo of the removed plant and submit it via the pre-registration form or bring it to the exchange event – these photos can be as early as 2020 to be accepted.
• Attend an event to receive a replacement tree or shrub, available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last – alternate species will be provided if your preferred species is unavailable.

Each event site is currently full, but there is a waitlist for those interested in still potentially attending.

Why Participate?

As for any event which aims to alleviate the introduction of invasive species in an area, this new program offers plenty of insight for homeowners and the public to learn more about what they can do in this situation.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has provided the community with some of its initiatives for the program, including:

• Fewer invasive species in the landscape (to prevent the spread and growth of existing colonies)
• The introduction of native trees and shrubs where they are most prevalent.
• An increased public awareness of the benefits of native species and the downsides of invasive species on public and private lands
• The promotion of productive and particularly edible products from trees and shrubs for participants’ and the public’s enjoyment.

The Role of Invasives in Pennsylvania

As seasons change and years pass, the threat of invasive species always remains throughout northeastern Pennsylvania and the landscapes across the state. For many native species, their populations have seen a decline in recent years given the invasive’s ability to “outcompete” and dominate the habitats which once thrived. Beginning growth in early spring, fast reproduction of the invasives essentially prevents native species from having certain habitats while also placing disruptions on the food chain preventing ecosystems from having the chance to thrive. In hopes of alleviating the shortcomings of such species, it has been recorded that the United States spends more than $120 billion a year, including the control and surveillance of the invasives.

 “Invasive species throughout the northeastern Pennsylvania region continue to prevent the growth of native species which are important to the biodiversity of our ecosystem. The PA Replace-ive Invasive Species Program provides PA residents with a wonderful opportunity to get educated on the invasives which destroy many great properties,” said Emma Thompson, Senior Director of Conservation and Operations at North Branch Land Trust.

To learn more about North Branch Land Trust, please visit nblt.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.