Native Species Appreciation & Farewell
In habitat management, we talk a great deal about invasive species around the Refuge: what is bad, what is worse, what seems to be out of control, or just kill it! One of the downfalls of learning invasive plant species is that once you learn how to identify it, you can never "unsee" it, even in your daily life. For instance, while on a walk to a local park with my dog in North Portland, I regularly see Shiny Geranium, Queen Anne's Lace, and Poison Hemlock. Coincidentally, many nurseries still sell invasive species such as Periwinkle ( Vinca spp.) and English Ivy, further perpetuating the problem. It makes you realize how overrun the world is with invasive species, which can be overwhelming and disheartening. Photo : Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), a Class B noxious weed, native to Europe, Asia, Australia and Northern Africa. Don't be fooled, this seemingly innocuous aquatic plant with quite beautiful flowers can quickly out-compete native vegetation. Hence,
