Perati, S. (2019). Invasive Plants out, Native Plants in: City of Ithaca Implements Biodiversity Revival Program. Retrieved 10 November 2019, from https://cornellsun.com/2019/11/04/invasive-plants-out-native-plants-in-city-of-ithaca-implements-biodiversity-revival-program/
The New York town of Ithaca has announced a $51,000 plan to promote the growth of native plant species and removed invasive vegetation. This project would supply the native wildlife with proper habitats, food, and biodiversity, needs that are not currently being met by exotic plant species. Invasive species in Ithaca currently include Honeysuckle, Common Buckthorn, and Japanese Barberry, which outcompete native vegetation like Sugar Maple, American Sycamore, and White/Red Oaks. Although this project will only directly affect public land, Michael Smith, a senior town planner, hopes it will inspire private landowners to take action on their property as well.
I think this is fantastic to see: local government taking ownership and responsibility for the land and environment around it. By providing this town with significant funding, the state of New York is demonstrating how important environmental change and improvement is. I believe more small towns should be taking care of its native wildlife to the same extent that Ithaca is doing so.
I think this action is amazing and encourages other major/minor cities to do the same. Do you think this project would inspire other cities to do the same and how do you think residents would react that a portion of the government’s funding is going directly to the environment?
Thanks for asking! When looking at the funding for biodiversity remediation programs in comparison to the funding for government services, like law enforcement, $51,000 is chump change. I’d hope that residents would be excited for such programs to be introduced, but reality may suggest otherwise.