Tag Archives: 2011 Texas Invasive Plant Conference

December 29, 2011 · 9:15 pm

Reeling in the Top Aquatic Invasive Species in Texas

Dr. Earl W. Chilton II describes the top aquatic invasive species invading Texas lakes and waterways, including Giant Salvinia, Water Hyacinth, and Hydrilla. Although more of a riparian plant, discover why the Giant Reed poses such a threat to the water and native plants along the Rio Grande River. Dr. Chilton is the Aquatic Habitat Enhancement Program Director for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

This video is part of Commander Ben’s “Invasive Species: Secrets Revealed” series of interviews from the 2011 Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Conference.

Commander Ben signing off…

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Filed under 2011 Texas Invasive Plant Conference, Earl Chilton, Giant Salvinia, Hydrilla, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Water Hyacinth

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December 29, 2011 · 9:02 pm

Hydrilla and King Ranch Bluestem Create Devastating Monocultures on Water and Land

Ms. Mary Gilroy describes two invasive plants that have raided Texas waterways and prairies. Learn how Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) creates massive monocultures in lakes and how King Ranch Bluestem (KR Bluestem – Bothriochloa ischaemum) outcompetes native vegetation in the Central Texas Hill Country. Ms. Gilroy is an environmental scientist in Austin, Texas.

This video is part of Commander Ben’s “Invasive Species: Secrets Revealed” series of interviews from the 2011 Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Conference.

Also, watch this YouTube video to see how the City of Austin and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department have teamed up to release sterile grass carp to hunt down and munch away at Hydrilla on Lake Austin.

Commander Ben signing off…

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Filed under 2011 Texas Invasive Plant Conference, Hydrilla, Invasive Species: Secrets Revealed, King Ranch Bluestem, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Mary Gilroy, Monoculture, Texas Hill Country

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December 28, 2011 · 9:38 am

Giant Reed’s Fighting Retreat on Lady Bird Lake

Ms. Mary Gilroy talks about efforts to hunt down and eradicate the Giant Reed (Arundo Donax) around Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas. Learn how data collected from citizen scientists as part of the Invaders of Texas Program helped map the locations of this invasive species and the multiyear campaign to remove this obstinate invasive and restore native plants. Ms. Gilroy is an environmental scientist in Austin, Texas.

This video is part of Commander Ben’s “Invasive Species: Secrets Revealed” series of interviews from the 2011 Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Conference.

Commander Ben signing off…

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Filed under 2011 Texas Invasive Plant Conference, Citizen Scientist, City of Austin, Giant Reed, Invaders of Texas, Lady Bird Lake, Mary Gilroy

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December 28, 2011 · 9:33 am

Strategy and Tactics for Combatting Invasive Plant Species

Mr. Matt McCaw talks about his work, helping to manage conservation lands and improve the quality of water entering aquifers. He describes the different physical and mechanical ways to combat privets (genus Ligustrum) in Central Texas and when necessary, what types of targeted herbicides are the most effective. Learn why he likes felling Chinaberries and why Saltcedars are so difficult to take down. Mr. McCaw is a biologist in Austin, Texas.

This video is part of Commander Ben’s “Invasive Species: Secrets Revealed” series of interviews from the 2011 Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Conference.

Commander Ben signing off…

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Filed under 2011 Texas Invasive Plant Conference, Aquifer, Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, Chinaberry, City of Austin, City of Austin Wildland Conservation Division, Invasive Species: Secrets Revealed, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Ligustrum, Matt McCaw, Privet, Saltcedar

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December 27, 2011 · 8:05 pm

Taking a Stand Against the Emerald Ash Borer in Texas

Dr. Stephen Clarke describes efforts to prevent the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer in Texas. Learn if researchers have discovered a native champion against this invasive pest and if warmer temperatures could halt its spread from the Northern United States. Dr. Clarke is a Forest Entomologist with the U.S. Forest Service.

This video is part of Commander Ben’s “Invasive Species: Secrets Revealed” series of interviews from the 2011 Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Conference.

Commander Ben signing off…

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Filed under 2011 Texas Invasive Plant Conference, Dr. Stephen Clarke, Emerald Ash Borer

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