Sessions
Poster Session & Social
4:40 PM - 6:30 PM Wed
POSTER PRESENTER #9
TITLE: Phragmites (Phragmites australis ssp. australis) removal and native plant recolonization in Schmeeckle Reserve, Portage County, WI
ABSTRACT: The Eurasian-native phragmites (Phragmites australis ssp. australis) was first recorded in Wisconsin in 1938. The invasion of this species results in an array of negative environmental impacts, including the displacement of native plant communities, reduced diversity, reduced property values, and loss of ecosystem services like wildlife habitat. This study took place in the southwest portion of Schmeeckle Reserve on the UW-Stevens Point campus, where there was once a phragmites monoculture. In the fall of 2014, stands of phragmites were treated with the non-selective herbicide Imazapyr. After treating the site, we conducted a seedbank study in 2015, which revealed many undesirable, facultative upland species. In the spring of 2016, a mix of 22.6% native sedges, 3.6% native grasses, and 73.8% native forbs was planted. Following the planting, re-sprouts of phragmites were controlled with spot treatments of Imazapyr and manual removal using spade shovels. We conducted plant inventories in 2017 and 2022 to help determine the effectiveness of the planting and native plant recolonization. The 2022 inventory results indicate 21% of the inventoried species were species planted in 2016. This represents 39% of the total number of species planted. While some natural regeneration and seed rain likely occurred, the results of the 2015 seed bank study offers some insight as to what species were previously onsite. While the planting is regarded as a success, narrow-leaved cattail (Typha angustifolia) and hybrid cattail (Typha x glauca) have invaded the site. We will continue to monitoring and control these invasive species to promote the expansion and recolonization of the native plant community.
BIO: Alana Spang is a junior at UW-Stevens Point, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Forestry with a focus on ecosystem restoration and management. She is also earning minors in soil science and water resources along with a wetland science certificate. Alana currently works with UW-Extension Lakes as a program assistant. After graduation, Alana hopes to build a career in wetland restoration.