Connestee Falls Natural Resources Stewardship
The Problem With Invasive Species
Invasive Species-They may not sound very threatening, but these invaders, large and small, have devastating effects on wildlife." An invasive species can be any kind of living organism—an amphibian (like the cane toad), plant, insect, fish, fungus, bacteria, or even an organism’s seeds or eggs—that is not native to an ecosystem and causes harm. They can harm the environment, the economy, or even human health. Species that grow and reproduce quickly, and spread aggressively, with the potential to cause harm, are given the label “invasive.” Negative Impacts of invasive species.
Parrot Feather is a highly invasive aquatic weed that has established colonies in both Lake Atagahi and Lake Tiaroga.
The NRSC has been working with Jim Whitmore to develop a mitigation plan. A small test using an herbicide Aquathol K was conducted along the shoreline of Little Atagahi in September 2024. Mitigation tests resumed on Little Atagahi in early May with a different herbicide Sonar PR by SePro. The area is being monitored to determine the effectiveness of the new treatment. Future treatments are anticipated in Big Atagahi and Tiaroga. Contact the cfpoa@connesteefalls.com if you have questions oconcerning mitigation efforts.
Mitigating Invasive Plants (IP)-The NRSC seeks volunteers who are willing to assist with Invasive Plant Task Force work to mitigate invasive plants at trail heads, along the trails and roadways of other POA natural areas.
Promoting Native Landscapes- The first step is to keep invasive species from being planted in within our community. The NRSC recommends the use of native plants when planning landscapes.
The NC State Extension provides a comprehensive publication "Landscaping for Wildlife" North Carolina’s native plants provide well-adapted food and cover for native animals, and a well-planned landscape of native plants can help you attract a diversity of wildlife to your property.
Avoiding Invasive Plants-The CF Mountain Gardeners produced the "Connestee Falls Landscaping Handbook" to help members create beautiful landscapes in our mountain community. On page 24 is a list of common box store and nursery invasive plants that should not be planted in CF.
DO NOT DUMP FISHING WORMS along lake berms or forested areas because they will destroy forest floors.
These invasive worms first arrived here in the early 1900s, tucked away in the soil of potted plants. In recent decades, invasive species (as well as the more common earthworm) have moved from landscape gardens are now being found in natural forested ecosystems, which ultimately destroy the forest floors.
Avoiding and Mitigating Invasive Worms- Be sure to check the dirt in the pot of plants that you purchase at a store, nursery or receive from friends. If you find worms or small yellow eggs, you should place them in a plastic bag with salt and dispose of them in the garbage. To destroy the invaders, pick them up with a gloved hand (some species are toxic to the skin), place into a bag, add salt and throw it in the garbage. They are very sensitive to vinegar so consider carrying a spray bottle while gardening to spray and kill them.