A USGS Researcher in an Invasive Phragmites Stand, Great Lakes

Many noxious, invasive species infest our nation’s wetlands. One example is a new type of phragmites, a wetlands grass from Europe that has rapidly spread across the continent, altering soil, producing copious seeds, and resulting in dense stands of mostly one-plant – phragmites – stands. The result: plant species diversity declines, and critical habitat for fish, reptiles, amphibians and birds is lost. The species is rapidly invading the few remaining marshes in the Great Lakes, but USGS scientists and their colleagues are using cutting-edge research to try to fight back.