Invasive Species

The Bradford pear is an invasive species that grows so quickly it can displace Missouri’s native wildlife. Local organizations are offering free native trees to Missourians who remove an invasive pear tree.

Wendy Applequist of the Missouri Botanical Garden posits that traditional use of invasive species will bring back native plants and stabilize ecosystems.

Midwest states are spending millions to manage invasive carp in rivers and lakes. If left unchecked, conservation experts say the fish could wreak havoc on local ecosystems and fishing industries.

The Department of Conservation reports a fourth invasive northern snakehead fish was found in Missouri and there has been a confirmed sighting of a fifth. The fish are aggressive predators that can harm native ecosystems.

Missouri residents have until April 15 to register to receive a free noninvasive, native tree in exchange for cutting down a single Bradford pear tree in their yard. Pick up will be hosted at nearly a dozen locations across the state on April 23.

Experts say the plants on the list are invasive and can quickly cause ecological harm.

Western Illinois landowners and farmers are needed for a survey about the challenges they face on their land. The Illinois Extension’s survey will turn the feedback from landowners in Adams, Pike, Brown, Hancock and Schuyler counties into educational programming and resources to help them.

Hundreds of black carp have been reported in the Mississippi River basin, and the invasive fish harm the local ecosystem by threatening important native species.

The non-native insect had not been found alive in the state yet.

Federal and state agencies spend millions of dollars every year to keep destructive invasive carp out of the Great Lakes. Meanwhile, at least 25 destructive species — like water fleas and bloody red shrimp — are inching closer to the Mississippi River Basin.