The "alien invaders" are all around! Even natural areas that
look pristine can sometimes hide "alien invaders" AKA, invasive
exotic plant species in plain sight!
This cache is located in the Great Swamp Outdoor Education
Center, GSOEC, in an area the Morris County Park Commission is
involved in an ongoing battle with “Aliens”, invasive
exotic plant species, such as multi-flora rose and Japanese
honeysuckle.
An invasive exotic plant or animal is one that has been
successfully introduced into an area where it is not normally
found, usually by people, either accidentally or on purpose. The
vast majority of species that end up outside their natural habitat
do not survive, but those that do are very hard to eradicate and
pose a threat to native plant and animal life.
Slowly but surely, these invaders crowd out the species that are
supposed to live in the area. Invasive species have become one of
the leading causes of endangered species.
The cache area has been cleared repeatedly during the past
decade, but the invasives continue to return. When you arrive, see
if you can spot the multi-flora rose and Japanese honeysuckle. Need
help? Find more information inside the cache!
Multiflora rose was introduced from Japan and Korea in the
1930’s. At that time, conservation groups gave it out as
cover and forage for animals, promoted as a “natural
fence” for pastures that prevents soil erosion.
Unfortunately, it spread rapidly damaging pasture lands and
creating thorny, impenetrable thickets that crowd out all other
plant species.
Japanese Honeysuckle, a native of east Asia, was introduced for
landscaping in NY in 1806. It has tubular, fragrant flowers, seeds
spread by birds and a twining, woody stem. Besides crowding out
other species, this plant quickly smothers small trees and shrubs,
blocking them from getting enough sunlight.
Please remember to stay on the marked trails as you navigate to
the cache. You are in sensitive wildlife habitat! Maps are
available in the Visitors Center or at the parking lot kiosk.
NNJC is about promoting a quality caching experience in
Northern New Jersey.
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