PA Forestry Assn: How Non-Native Plants Are Contributing To A Global Insect Decline

On February 1, the Winter View from Pulpit Rock newsletter of the PA Forestry Association shared a recent article published in YaleEnvironment 360 on How Non-Native Plants Are Contributing To A Global Insect Decline by Janet Marinelli.

"Those who work in forests and care for their health and vitality are well aware things are changing. We are seeing tree species shifts, struggles with regeneration, and competitive and invasive plants," said Jim Finley, PFA Communication Committee. "Maybe, though, you’ve not thought much about declining or changing insect populations. 

"Personally, I’ve noticed, as an aging driver, that it has been years since I’ve had to stop and clean my windshield of splattered insects. Doug Tallamy from nearby Delaware has been adamant about the links between non-native plants and declining insect populations.

"This View from Pulpit Rock provides perspectives on the link between insects and non-native plants, which are expanding across our forests. 

"[The] US Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis most recently documents that 61 percent of all the permanent inventory plots have at least one non-native invasive plant. In my opinion, we need to share information on their impact on our forests and expand the conversation about caring about forest ecological health and native diversity."

Click Here to read Janet Marinelli's entire article.

For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming and more, visit the PA Forestry Association website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates.

(Photo: ENZO PÉRÈS-LABOURDETTE / YALE E360.)

Related Articles:

-- PA Forestry Assn. Exploring Change, Climate Impacts On Penn’s Woods Symposium Presentations Now Available

-- Manada Conservancy Now Accepting Orders For Online Spring Native Plant Sale In Dauphin County

-- Pollinator Gardens: Help Encourage Ecological Diversity In Your Own Backyard

[Posted: February 1, 2021]  PA Environment Digest