The First Coast Invasives Working Group: Role of Master Gardeners

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• published: 26 Feb 2015
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Rebecca L. Jordi & Tina Gordon Millions of dollars are spend each year to remove, control and manage invasive plants in wildlife conservation areas, along roadsides and within municipal parks. Residents and newcomers to Florida are confused about what plants are appropriate for Florida as they believe whatever is sold in local garden centers must suitable for their landscape. Often large garden centers mislabel and sell plants which might be safe to plant in one part of the country but totally inappropriate for our area. Educational programs to the general public, which include mass media outlets, seem to be the best inroad for making changes in public perceptions and purchasing behaviors. Part of the overall goal is to identify the most troubling invasive plant pests in the local area, plan removal programs using volunteers when possible and providing alternatives to the plant pests. Some plant removal successes have been made at local parks with residential participants, Master Gardener volunteers, the University of Florida's Extension programs and the First Coast Invasive Working Group in Northeast Florida. Every program must start with identification of the most prevalent invasive pests found at local parks and public beaches. After these "clean-up" programs of the invasive pests, one of the most positive aspects has been an inspiring resurgence of native plants and animals.