Invasive Species Matching Activity

Your mission today, should you choose to accept, is to match the image of an invasive species with its name and description.

What is an invasive species you ask? It is any non-native plant, insect, animal or pathogen, which is introduced into an area and damages the environment, human economy, or human health in that area. The organism or virus is termed invasive if it meets any of those three conditions due to its presence. There are more than 180 invasive species that have become established in the Great Lakes, causing billions of dollars of damage and control costs each year.

Awareness and action are essential to preventing more harmful invasions and controlling further spread. Try not to transport any of the possible agents that could become invasive and be aware of the ways they are transported. Your shoes, clothing, firewood, fishing gear, boats (and ships) and even your pet are just some of the possible ways these unwanted hitchhikers travel. Clean, drain, and dry is the mantra of water activities. On land, it is just like you learned as a child, clean your shoes before you come into the house (or hike in a new area).

And in case you're feeling competitive, the fourth-graders absolutely nailed this one.

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