The Green Hiker

Invasive Species News

Here’s a roundup of the latest news, insights, and activities concerning non-indigenous species that invade habitats.

•  Bryan Walsh in his Ecocentric blog wryly discusses invasive risks and economic impacts:

The Benefits of Stopping Invasive Species Before They Invade …

Dedicated followers of this blog—thanks both of you—know that one of my areas of obsession is invasive species. That’s partially because they’re so often funny—example number one being the flying Asian carp, …

Publish Date: 08/18/2011 5:00

• Giant City State Park, near Carbondale  IL, now boasts a quarter-mile trail that will “educate visitors about non-native invasive[s] and their effects on the local environment”:

Non-Native Invasive Species Trail to Open At Giant City State Park …

Giant City State Park will soon open a new trail. Located next to the Visitors Center, the Non-Native Invasive Species Interpretive Trail will feature examples of non-native invasive species such as Monofloral rose, …

Publish Date: 08/18/2011 13:25

• Ruth Hopkins has a thoughtful take on what it means to be invasive, be you flora or human:

Humans: Earth’s Most Invasive Species – Indian Country Today

Publish Date: 08/14/2011 10:00

• Good or bad? For a more in-depth discussion, click link at bottom of Lake Scientist post:

Invasive Species: Can’t live without them? | Lake Scientist

A non-native species appearing in an ecosystem is usually alarming- for good reason. Invading species act as competition for space/resources for native species.

Publish Date: 08/16/2011 7:45

• Wild Hogs!:

Invasive Species of the Moment | The Locker Room

Invasive Species of the Moment | The John Locke Foundation’s Statewide Issues Blog.

Publish Date: 08/14/2011 15:46

• Study published in the Ecological Economics journal shows benefits of the risk assessment of wild animal trades:

Economics Study Shows Risk Assessment of Potentially Invasive …

The federal government has come under sharp criticism for allowing invasive animal species into the country, which have caused major damages to the environment and agriculture, leading to economic costs and environmental …

Publish Date: 08/16/2011 9:58

Here’s a video about the invasive Asian Carp species:

Now Go Outdoors!

Bike or Hike a Rail Trail for Fall Fun by Jeanne Grunert
The rails to trails movement is sweeping the country, transforming retired railway lines into superb hiking and bicycling trails.

Fall Arrives At Mount Hood
Fall is also a great season to go hiking … it may be a bit colder, but the views are just as good and the fall colors on the hillsides are worth the pictures you’ll take. Plus the trails are a bit quieter this time of year, …

Fall Hiking in Silverton, CO
With the fall colors peaking at this time of the year, there is no better place to hike than Southwestern Colorado, and no finer place in Southwest Colorado than the majestic high country surrounding Silverton: Christ of the Mines Shrine, Cement Creek, Kendall Mountain, and Lackawana Mill.

Berkshire Leaf Peeping
To the Northern Berkshires for a last hike of the year. Sadly, the photos don’t do justice to the Massachusetts fall foliage …

Favorite Fall Hikes In Wyoming
Fall can be fleeting in the American Rockies but when it cools the day and colors the leaves there is little that compares to filling your lungs with the fresh air of a Wyoming short hike in Autumn. For those who seek simple trails not …

Blue Ridge Fall Hiking
If you’re in Nashville, check out Blue Ridge Mountain Sports Backpacking 201 October 16^th through November 6^th. Courses include navigation, wilderness safety, and Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.

Maine’s Great Pond Mountain Hike
Forget about your stock portfolio and other woes for a few hours and take in the striking beauty of a splendid Maine fall day. Here is a favorite coastal hikes that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Washington State Fall Hiking
There are more great fall hikes in the Gorge than you can shake a stick at. Try the Pacific Crest Trail going either direction from the Columbia River. If you go north, you will get to Table Mountain (and see some pretty lakes along the …

Gearing Up For The Fall Hiking Season
Keeping warm on your Fall hike ….

Fall Hikes Around Chicago
Chicago hosts many great fall hiking options including Chain O’ Lakes State Park, Geneva Lake Shore Path, and Marengo Ridge Conservation Area.

Fall Hiking at Seneca Creek West Virginia
If you are looking for a wonderful place to enjoy the Autumn scenery, the Seneca Creek Trail has some of the most wonderful fall foliage ….

Fall Hiking in the Northwest
John D. Carr’s recommendations for Fall hikes in the Pacific Northwest. The trails he highlights are known to showcase some of the best wildflower and tree colors the season has to offer. They include Salmon Butte Trail, Vista Ridge Trail, ….

Fall Adventures Hiking the Appalachian Trail
The longest footpath in the nation offers beautiful scenery, is within a day’s drive of 67% of the US population, and serves as an escape from the “everyday”. The Trail provides hiking challenges for varying skill levels ….

Fall Hiking and Camping by Bill Sassani
Fall is a time for camping and hiking to take advantage of autumn colors, while at the same time being aware of changing temperatures, fluctuating weather, and hunters.

Now Go Outdoors!