We all hate party crashers; someone is invited and decides to invite all their friends, makes a mess, and eats all the food until other people leave. The Daytona State Environmental Outreach Club noticed Deep Creek Nature Preserve is currently facing this problem. The forest is infested with an alarmingly high amount the ‘annoying friends,’ Caesar’s Weed.
Photo by Joseph Stipanovic.
Caesar’s Weed is a threat to the ecosystems due to its lack of predators in the area. Since it is not native plants, there are no forces that control the population size, causing the local wildlife to not get as many plants for consumption. Sort of like the gross fruitcake that nobody eats during Thanksgiving, it takes over the dessert counter and leaves less room for brownies.
Weeds cause problems for humans in the community as well. According to the club’s president, Heather Nicole Backman, the harmful nature of Caesar’s Weeds loosens the soil, causing water to not be properly routed to the aquifers. These are water holders which cities often use to drink from.
In nature, there is always competition for space. Since Caesar’s Weeds have no predators, they continue to take up more space. This can lead to problems with carbon sinks. Plants lower atmospheric carbon; without this natural removal, carbon will build up in the atmosphere; causing a carbon sink. Carbon buildup is linked to increases in harmful greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
According to Stipanovic, “The best way to remove these plants is by manually pulling them because of their shallow roots.” He explains the careful procedure for removing the plants, “fruits drop very easily … the best way to prevent the regrowth of the invasives is to limit as many seeds falling on the ground as possible.” Along with this, it is important to be mindful of the seeds that are present on people when removing the weeds. The club collectively removed hundreds of small fruits off their clothing to prevent further spreading.
Photo Credit Raymond Emmett.
With the removal of these species, according to Backman, it is likely to see an increase in natural wildlife since they can thrive better. Restoration of the food web in the area will allow both plants and animals native to the preserve to bounce back with more space, food, and better soil.
The club aims to inform its members as well as reduce the human footprint in Daytona. They are looking for new members who would like to explore their environment, protect their habitats and learn more about the world around them.