Natural Security is National Security

Vitex – example of invasive species Photo:  LSU Ag Center

By Emmy Ulmschneider and Debbie Roland, Master Gardeners

We have written about the importance of planting native plants, stressing the role they have in creating habitat and contributing to our own local Texas identity.  With this also comes a growing awareness of the impact invasive plants, animals, and pathogens have.    I grew up in the Great Lakes area. When I left, in the seventies, Zebra Mussels from European freighter ballast water were starting to establish themselves in the Great Lakes.   As we have seen in the local news, Zebra Mussels have made their way to Texas.  According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, they now infest 33 Texas lakes and 7 adjoining river basins.  This includes Lake Ivie, one of our water sources.  Zebra Mussels also contributed to Midland’s recent water pressure issues.  For more information refer to:       https://www.texasinvasives.org/zebramussels/  and https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/as-seen-on-tv/zebra-mussels-midlands-water-system-contributing-pressure-issues/513-618433fc-e7b3-4fc6-8ba1-d1e37d91f3a4

An invasive species is a non-native organism whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm to human, animal, or plant health in addition to economic or environmental harm.  Not all non-native species are invasive; about 15% of non-native species become invasive.   We grow many non-natives in our landscapes without them becoming invasive. We also grow non-native plants like Bermuda grass, Chinese Pistache, and Vitex which are invasive.   Invasive species spread quickly, taking over and changing our natural ecosystems.   Once established, they are difficult if not impossible to control.   They cost us money by affecting our food supply, livelihoods, urban infrastructure and natural areas.  In addition to the damage they cause, it is expensive to monitor and control the populations.   NAISMA, the North American Invasive Species Management Association was formed to monitor and raise awareness about invasive species, the threat they cause, and what can be done to control them.  The last week of February, NAISMA sponsors National Invasive Species Awareness week to raise awareness and encourage people to take action to prevent their spread.  This year, a talk entitled, Natural Security is National Security broadened my perspective on invasive species.  Controlling invasive species is as costly as dealing with natural disasters.  Invasive species are true invaders, impacting our health, economics, security, and everyday lives.  They arrive on planes and freighters or in shipping containers that are then transported around the country.  They escape from our urban landscapes.  In natural areas, we have accidentally introduced them on clothing or footwear or deliberately introduced them as an alternative to native forage or to control other pests. Invasives can disrupt the way our native ecosystem's function, altering the soil structure, reducing the soil water holding capacity, and replacing native plants. This in turn makes these areas more fire and dust prone, which is especially important in critical infrastructure areas such as missile bases, range lands, and highways.   

Does this affect you?  For the answer, try the Texas Invasives website:   https://www.texasinvasives.org/  As they explain in Invasives 101:

“Everyone who lives in Texas should care because unless we can reduce or stop their spread, invasive species will continue to require significant dollars to treat, control and to remedy damage that is caused….”

The site has introductory information, ways to get involved, and an invasive database containing detailed fact sheets about individual invasive plants, animals, insects, and pathogens.  See https://www.texasinvasives.org/invasives_database/   

And once you know the true impact of invasives you, too, can start to strengthen our natural security and recover our Texas identity. 

If you have questions, call the AgriLife office in Odessa at 498-4071 or in Midland at 686-4700.   Additional information, and our blog for access to past articles, is available at westtexasgardening.org.  Click on “Resources.”