Invasive Species Control

The Problem With Invasive Species

Invasive Species: 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.”

Parrot Feather

Parrot Feather is a highly invasive aquatic weed that has established colonies in both Lake Atagahi and Lake Tiaroga.

CFPOA is testing various mitigation options. A small test using the herbicide Aquathol K was conducted along the shoreline of Little Atagahi in September 2024. Mitigation tests resumed on Little Atagahi in early May 2025 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 concerning mitigation efforts.

Invasive Plants of Immediate Concern

Stiltgrass

Japanese stiltgrass is an invasive plant that can reach 3.5 feet tall and prefers partly shaded, moist growing conditions but is very adaptable to other conditions and most soils. It spreads by seeds and vegetatively. One plant can disperse 1,000 seeds, which remain viable in the soil for four years.

Honeysuckle

Japanese Honeysuckle can be a twining, climbing vine or prostrate and trailing groundcover, spreading both by rhizomes and above-ground runners as well as wide dispersal of the seeds. It is arampant grower that can reach 16 to 29 feet high and 3 to 6 feet wide. It is capable of growing over plants and smothering them. Remove Japanese honeysuckle where possible and keep it away from landscape plants.

2023 Equinox Natural Resources Inventory

"Although the Property is in relatively natural condition, there are several populations of exotic invasive plants (EIP) that are of concern, chiefly Japanese spiraea (Spiraea japonica), Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis), Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), Japanese barberry (Berberis canadensis), and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora). Some other species, such as Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), shrubby lespedeza (L. bicolor), are widely dispersed across the property, occurring in most roadsides, trails (concentrated at trailheads), disturbed areas, and other actively managed zones. Japanese spiraea and Chinese silvergrass infestations appear to originate from landscape plantings from certain private landscapes throughout the community, whereas the other EIP species are artifacts from outside infestations brought in by vehicles, wildlife, or wind." (Equinox NRI Report, page 31)

STRATEGIES FOR CONTROLLING INVASIVE SPECIES

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. VOLUNTEER HERE
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.

Connestee Falls Natural Resources Stewardship Committee