It was so brilliant to link invasive species with immigrants!
In each case, there is a niche to fill. It isn't the plant's (or the immigrant's) fault.
Case in point: in the Pacific Northwest, we have a Scotch Broom infestation that people hate with a passion. Perhaps it's because it is so beautiful when in bloom in June. Perhaps it's because it spreads multiple ways, and pulling it up only works for a short time.
But *I* know how to get rid of it! QUIT CLEARING LAND!
It's a classic "pioneer species", specialized by nature to repair disturbed areas. It won't grow in a native forest, but only around the edges.
With our roads, fields, and parks, we've created a huge habitat for pioneer species. As with human immigrants, the natives are not up to the task, having evolved in an era without so much disturbance. So they move in. It's totally false that invasive immigrants displace the natives — they're doing a job that natives cannot or will not do!
If I didn't think I'd get lynched, I'd plant the stuff for my goats!
It's a nitrogen fixer that has as much protein as alfalfa, but with a significant tannin load — a tasty vermifuge! After the goats have had their way with the foliage, I chipped the woody remains and spread it on paths and between rows to suppress weeds. (Don't mulch desired plants with it!)
But I didn't have to plant it.
Instead, I contacted "do gooder" non-profit organizations. They would hold "work parties" and go out and pull it up with a vengeance. But it is highly flammable, and they couldn't just leave it in piles — so I got them to deliver it directly to my goat feeders!
After I started doing this, I never had to use chemical wormers on my goats.
Some day, after humans are gone, fields and roadsides will go through succession, resulting in restoring a climax species, and the Scotch Broom will be gone. But I won't be around to miss it.
It was so brilliant to link invasive species with immigrants!
In each case, there is a niche to fill. It isn't the plant's (or the immigrant's) fault.
Case in point: in the Pacific Northwest, we have a Scotch Broom infestation that people hate with a passion. Perhaps it's because it is so beautiful when in bloom in June. Perhaps it's because it spreads multiple ways, and pulling it up only works for a short time.
But *I* know how to get rid of it! QUIT CLEARING LAND!
It's a classic "pioneer species", specialized by nature to repair disturbed areas. It won't grow in a native forest, but only around the edges.
With our roads, fields, and parks, we've created a huge habitat for pioneer species. As with human immigrants, the natives are not up to the task, having evolved in an era without so much disturbance. So they move in. It's totally false that invasive immigrants displace the natives — they're doing a job that natives cannot or will not do!
If I didn't think I'd get lynched, I'd plant the stuff for my goats!
It's a nitrogen fixer that has as much protein as alfalfa, but with a significant tannin load — a tasty vermifuge! After the goats have had their way with the foliage, I chipped the woody remains and spread it on paths and between rows to suppress weeds. (Don't mulch desired plants with it!)
But I didn't have to plant it.
Instead, I contacted "do gooder" non-profit organizations. They would hold "work parties" and go out and pull it up with a vengeance. But it is highly flammable, and they couldn't just leave it in piles — so I got them to deliver it directly to my goat feeders!
After I started doing this, I never had to use chemical wormers on my goats.
Some day, after humans are gone, fields and roadsides will go through succession, resulting in restoring a climax species, and the Scotch Broom will be gone. But I won't be around to miss it.
A powerful chapter, with a loud crescendo to bring the parallels between the two discourses to light. It's definitely timely and right on.
Thanks, Tanja!
Dang it. I was coming in hard and fast to say “What about the Bradford Pear???”
Thank you for this peek into what sounds like a very good book. Who’s the publisher?