Project Eco-Sweep: Tackling Invasive Plant Invaders

This dynamic program uses volunteers to fight invasive plant species in Taloja Hills, SGNP (Sanjay Gandhi National Park), and Ambivli Biodiversity Park.

Introduction

This program restores habitats threatened by American Mint and Siam Weed. Their summary:

 Invasive Siam Weed (Chromolaena odorata) threatens ecosystems and agriculture. It spread fast to Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands from the American tropics. It is spread inside the Ambivli Biodiversity Park and Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mulund. Siam Weed control is vital for native plant diversification and ecological equilibrium. The plant outcompetes native vegetation, reducing biodiversity. It also affects soil nutrient balance, making it unsuitable for other plants.Mechanical, chemical, and biological treatments control Siam Weed. Uprooting or cutting plants is mechanical. Chemical control using Siam Weed-targeted herbicides. Insects and pathogens lower weed populations in biological control.

 North American mint (Mesosphaerum suaveolens) is invasive worldwide. American Mint, known for its aggressive growth, threatens natural habitats.This invader forms dense colonies, displacing native vegetation and upsetting ecosystems. It harms natural plants and fauna, causing ecological imbalances. It has taken over several hills of the Taloja Hill Forest. Controlling American Mint involves limiting its expansion and population. Controlling its growth involves cutting, uprooting, and manual removal. Herbicides that target this invasive species are also considered.

Control Methods

 Uprooting Saplings: The determined volunteers help fight the invasive plant species throughout its life cycle. The monsoon season brings exotic plant saplings that threaten native flora and biodiversity. To avoid future spread and establishment, volunteers vigorously uproot these

immature seedlings.

 Cutting off flowers and fruits: Post-monsoon, the invasive plant flowers and produces buds, which may lead to additional propagation. The volunteers meticulously clip the flowers and buds, limiting its reproductive capacity and preventing seed dissemination.

 Uprooting Root Clumps: Volunteers uproot root clusters, which can grow new plants, in thesummer last phase. They inhibit regeneration and invasive plant development by eliminating these root clusters.Disposing of uprooted plant material carefully ensures total elimination and management of this invasive species. To avoid environmental concerns, volunteers safely burn plant pieces.

Benefits

Native ecosystems must be protected efitsagainst invasive species. We can safeguard our environment from invasive species by raising awareness and taking effective management actions. To stop this invading species and preserve our planet & ecosystems, we must work together.

The Invasive Plants Removal Programme promotes environmental stewardship and knowledge of the effects of invasive species on local ecosystems through community-driven action. Volunteers protect

these treasured places; ecological heritage for future generations.

Participation Details

.Join Project EcoSweep to conserve the environment and be part of our volunteer community. Every month we will post our volunteering events here, which you could sign up.