Non-native Species

Garlic mustard, an invasive plant.

NPS

An Ongoing Battle

Stones River National Battlefield is home to a wide variety of plants, animals, and other living things. Most of these species are native, meaning they naturally occur in the area. However, some non-native species have made their way into the area.

Large areas of the park are now filled with invasive or exotic plants that often spread quickly because they lack natural controls. Park employees and volunteers use a variety of techniques including pulling plants, cutting seed heads, applying chemicals, and using prescribed fire to reduce invasive plants such as Chinese Privet, Japanese Honeysuckle, and Johnson Grass.

 

Japanese honeysuckle, an invasive plant.

What are non-native species?

Non-native species, also called exotics or invasives, are species that do not naturally occur in an environment. Rather, they have been introduced to and ecosystem. Sometimes, they arrive by environmental movement, such as wind, water, or animals. However, the first introduction of non-native species usually happens due to human interaction. Invasive species can be harmful because they disrupt the natural balance or harmony of an ecosystem by outcompeting native species.

 

Volunteers learn how to remove invasive species in the park for National Public Lands Day.

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The Impact of Non-native Species

Healthy ecosystems maintain balance through relationships between living organisms that evolved together. This involves predators, prey, host plants, habitat, and food sources to control populations. When a new species is introduced to an environment, it can out compete native species because it does does not have any natural predators or may not be included in the diets of native species.

What You Can Do

Everyone can play a role in reducing the impact of invasive species.

• Plant native species at home
  • Choose native plants for your yard and garden, avoid planting invasive species.
• Volunteer
  • Join park staff and other volunteers in managing and reducing the spread of invasive species populations.
• Learn and share
  • Learn how to identify invasives and inform others about their impact.

 

Learn more about invasive and non-native species.