GIANT SALVINIA

Very few invasive plants have altered our natural ecosystem as quickly as the non-native aquatic plant, giant Salvinia. Originally from Brazil and introduced into the U.S through use in backyard ponds and home aquaria, this is one of the more disastrous examples of setting free an exotic species that has spread like wildfire. Giant Salvinia is a floating fern that damages aquatic ecosystems by invading and choking out native plants that provide food and habitat for native animals including waterfowl. Giant Salvinia blocks out sunlight and decreases oxygen concentrations to the detriment of fish and other aquatic life, some of which can be prey items of owls. It also can stay alive out of water long enough to successfully hitchhike in crevices of boats and their trailers which move the plant from cove to cove and lake to lake. When large masses of this plant die, decomposition lowers dissolved oxygen even further. Giant Salvinia can expand very rapidly, doubling in coverage in about a week when conditions are favorable. To learn more about this plant, visit invasivespeciesinfo.gov.

To stop the spread of giant Salvinia, never dump the contents of your pond or aquarium into public waters. If the aquatic plants in your pond or aquarium grow too thick and heavy, pull some up and let them sun-dry for several days before disposing them in the garbage. Thoroughly cleaning your boat and trailer after each use will also eliminate the spread of this exotic plant. Do it for the owls.Order your Owl Shack HERE.