A new Ecology of Invasive Species course (Ecology 3885S) gives students the opportunity to put into action what they’ve learned about ecosystems, communities, populations and evolutionary ecology.
“As a service-learning class, the course allows students to engage with professionals and practitioners, which sets students in good stead for their post-UGA careers,” said Odum School Associate Professor Richard Hall, who designed and teaches the course.
Students first learn what constitutes an invasive species; how they arrive, spread and impact natural processes and people; methods for recognizing newly introduced invasives; and methods for control.
Next, they hear from researchers working with invasive species management, people like Gabe Andrle, habitat program manager for Birds Georgia; integrative conservation Ph.D. student Matt Tatz, who is researching the social dimensions of managing invasive vertebrates; and Stephanie Green, the ecological resource coordinator for Athens-Clarke County.
Finally, students get out into the field to remove invasive species. This fall, the work included three visits to Lake Herrick and one hour on main campus collecting berries from nandina bushes, commonly known as heavenly bamboo, which is spread when birds eat the seeds. Not only is nandina listed as a Category 2 invasive by the Georgia Invasive Species Council, but the berries contain cyanide—which is poisonous to dogs, cats and grazing animals, and can prove fatal to birds, particularly the cedar waxwing.
During the three visits to Lake Herrick, students focused on removing Ligustrum sinensis (Chinese privet), Euonymus fortunei (winter creeper) and Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle). Privet is one of the most aggressively invasive plants in Georgia, dominating many woodland areas, and is a particular concern around Lake Herrick, where large colonies are crowding out native species—even trees.
The invasive species winter creeper and Amur honeysuckle are often found growing with privet as these plants compete for space, nutrients and sunlight.
In three class periods, Hall, students and two site managers of the Oconee Forest Park were able to clear a large area.
“Students removed some privet specimens that had grown to the size of trees,” said Hall, who hopes to return to Lake Herrick with students in subsequent semesters.
Some students agreed to volunteer with the local government parks and county department of sustainability to remove and map invasive species along the Middle Oconee River for extra credit. Based on student suggestions and enthusiasm, Hall is considering adding fieldwork days in future semesters.
Through the class, students learned more about invasive species and how significantly those species impact the ecosystem. Now, they spot invasive species in their daily commutes and understand better how disruptive these species can be.
Natalie Meyers, who is interested in a career in conservation, developed a clearer understanding of how controversial some invasives might be because they offer benefits to people — such as providing an inexpensive plant in landscaping — but can be disruptive to native species.
Most students appreciated working in the field and found satisfaction in making a difference.
“Everyone should check out volunteer programs, and get out there,” Meyers said.
