The WGP management plan calls for the periodic survey of the Preserve for invasive plants. Yankeetown was fortunate to have Marc Frank (Extension Botanist, UF/IFAS), Lucas Majure (Curator at UF Herbarium), and several of their colleague and students conduct a survey on October 5, 2018.

Accompanied by several of Friends of the WGP and local Master Gardeners the survey team broke into groups and explored the Preserve. The survey found just seven invasive plant species: Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera), Smooth rattlebox (Crotalaria pallida), Lantana (Lantana strigocamara), Springer’s Asparagus Fern (Asparagus aethiopicus), Hairy indigo (Indigofera hirsuta), and Camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora). None of the invasive plant species were widespread and in several cases consisted of just a single plant. The invasive plant species found were flagged for removal.

In addition, three non-native plant species (Three-flower tick trefoil (Desmodium triflorum), Turk’s turban / Skyrocket (Clerodendrum indicum), and Creeping beggarweed (Desmodium incanum)) were found. While not native to Florida these plants are not currently regarded as invasive. Also observed were several plants (e.g., a cactus and an agave) that to date have not been vouchered in Levy County.

The Board of Trustees and the Friends want to thanks the survey team. We hope to see them again at the Preserve.