Of interest
Ranger Russ mentioned he was hearing a Yellow Warbler on the Willard Island trail. Below is a picture of a Yellow Warbler taken in Hammonasset Park.
Invasive Plants Seen on Willard Island Trail
Vocabulary Words
- Invasive (Plant) – a plant not native to a particular area that spreads rapidly and tends to take over habitat eliminating native species
- Compound– something that combines two different elements
- Adaptation– when a plant or animal is able to change to better suit its environment
- Balanced habitat – where plants and animals control each others’ growth, preventing domination by any
- Diversity -variety
Fun Facts
- Willard Island was an orchard in Colonial Times
- Trees with larger trunks and low, wide branches grew in open areas.
- Trees with branches near the top grew close to other trees.
Not So Fun Facts
- Invasive plants have an advantage and can out compete natives.
- They impact species biodiversity of an area, which includes the plants, insects and animals.
Activities
- Identify invasive plants at home, in your neighborhood or at the park using Invasive Plants in Your Backyard https://cipwg.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/244/2016/12/ Invasives_guide_2016_web.pdf
- Take a picture or draw them.
- Write about where and how were they growing.
- Become a citizen scientist by reporting your observations on EDDSMaps https://cipwg.uconn.edu/invasive_plant_list/
