As part of a proactive approach to addressing immediate threats to the landscape, TILT has worked with partner organizations and funding agencies over the past decade to confront one of the region's biggest ecological challenges: stopping the spread and further establishment of invasive species.
TILT has been successful in implementing several invasive species projects to protect the biologically diverse character of the region. These projects require significant staff and financial resources to administer the prescribed mechanical and chemical applications. TILT remains committed to the fight against invasive species with a familiar name at the top of the list, Pale Swallow-wort (PSW). As TILT continues to build upon its PSW management efforts, the Land Trust hopes to successfully incorporate a new management tool, the introduction of a biological control.
This summer, TILT partnered with SLELO PRISM, the NYS Invasive Species Research Institute, SUNY ESF, the University of Rhode Island, the USDA Agricultural Research Service, and local volunteers to coordinate a caged release of the biological control, Hypena opulenta. This moth, native to Ukraine, feeds solely on PSW. As a potential long-term management tool, Hypena opulenta works to defoliate PSW as the larvae feed on its leaves, killing individual plants before they can mature and release viable seeds. As adults, these moths can lay between 400 to 600 eggs during their short 2-3 week life span. If successful in establishing a population, these moths could play a substantial role in helping control PSW as they work in conjunction with current management techniques. With adult moths measuring 1 cm long and with a wingspan of about 3 cm, it is easy to say that this small moth has been tasked with a job much bigger than itself.
Although a new management tool to TILT, the USDA and partnering agencies have spent years drafting protocols and selecting test sites as researchers look to prove land managers with the tools to combat invasive species on a larger scale. As landowners look for new ways to fight back against a number of invasive species, the use of biological controls will help provide a more economical and sustainable approach to large scale management projects.
TILT strives to protect not only the existing resources on the landscape, but also the resource potential of a property. As the presence of invasive species continues to threaten the ecological integrity of the greater Thousand Islands, TILT will continue to incorporate best management practices to both restore the landscape and enhance it. With the introduction of new biological controls, the future of invasive species management has the potential to be bright.
Infestation to Restoration: A Success Story
Fifteen years ago, the center of Carleton Island was plagued by the aggressive and uncontrolled spread of Pale Swallow-wort (PSW). At that time, a number of Island residents came together to form the Carleton Island Working Group, reaching out to TILT to discuss potential management options.
Recognized as an Island-wide problem, funds were raised to support management efforts with both mowing and herbicide applications on an annual basis. Several years into the program, it was noticeable that less and less PSW was emerging each spring and native grasses were slowly making their return. However, with seeds remaining viable in the ground for several years, it was understood that the prescribed management techniques would be ongoing.
Fast forward to today and the interior of Carleton Island once again resembles that of the rest of the Island. The lush green grass of differing species, monarch butterflies on milkweed, and the presence of wildflowers and native birds, all serve as a reward for the hard work and funds contributed. The success of a 2020 reseeding project and plans for future tree plantings continue to keep Island residents motivated as PSW management efforts continue.
