(by Willa Coroka)

February 24th-28th is National Invasive Species Awareness Week!

Invasives are classified as organisms that are not native to a specific ecosystem and whose introduction is (or is likely to be) detrimental to the environment. From plants to animals and forests to front yards, invasives are found on every continent and pose a threat to the native flora and fauna that evolved together long before the movement of humans sparked the transportation of organisms from other lands and waters. Stay tuned later this week for ways to reduce the impact of invasive species.

Can you identify these three invasive species?

Answers: 1: Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis), photo by Tom Murray via Flicker. 2: Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), photo via NH Garden Solutions blog. 3: Asiatic Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), photo via UNH Extension blog.