WHERE INVASIVE SPECIES CAN'T TAKE ROOT

EFFORTS TO CONTROL invasive plants such as kudzu and leafy spurge, to mention only two, are important to maintaining healthy ecosystems. Left unattended, they can upset the entire balance of natural landscapes.

As a trained plant scientist, I've always been fascinated by plant ecology. But some time ago one species showed me a whole other side of my interest. For three years I studied invasive yellow starthistle, seeking ways to slow or stop its spread. At the time of my study, this plant had already invaded over 1.5 million acres in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, and over 8 million acres in California.

Like other invaders, yellow starthistle rapidly takes over an ecosystem by out-competing desirable native plants growing right alongside them. While native plants are considered necessary for a diverse and healthy ecosystem, invasive plants dominate the landscape, weakening the balance and integrity of the ecosystem.

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Testimony of Healing
FACIAL INJURIES COMPLETELY HEALED
June 22, 2009
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