No one wants to see weeds instead of wildflowers when they visit Yosemite. Yet non-native invasive plants are the single largest threat to Yosemite plant life.
These invasive plants replace native species and disrupt ecosystems, including birds and animals that depend on native plants for food and shelter. Every year brings new invaders, with over 200 currently identified—30 in the past three years alone.
This project is the first comprehensive mapping of invasive species in the Park. Websites and iPod Touch GPS units will help coordinate efforts between staff, volunteers and encourage ‘Citizen Scientists’.
Using the survey data, invasive plants can be quickly identified and eliminated. This information also helps visitor resources, for example, by developing a podcast that teaches visitors about the negative impact of bringing outside firewood (and invasive weeds) into the Park.
Working together we can protect Yosemite’s beautiful wildflowers.
Partnering with Yosemite National Park
Join us on an Outdoor Adventure that explores botany in the park: