The worldsMostInvasive SpeciesJAPANESE KNOTWEED |
about the weed
As the common name suggest the Japanese knotweed originated from Japan. In 1850 the weed made its first overseas travel to the Royal Botanical Gardens Kew, from then on the weed has been passed around and shared around the world until making its way to the banks of the Dog River.
How to be Proactive in your CommunityAs you stop by the Dog River, take note of the knotweed along the banks. An excellent way of being proactive would be to write local government, such as the town mayor or a state congressman.
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How to Identify
Japanese knotweed is similar in appearance to bamboo, but has a smaller, reddish stalk that bamboo does not have. Although not exclusive to these areas, they are commonly found along the banks of waterways. The leaves form a wide spade shape and their flowers are whitish or cream-colored.
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Already, the Dirty Lads are taking steps to mitigate the influence the Japanese knotweed has on the Dog River watershed. They have reached out to local leaders, such as the Norwich University Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering faculty, in order to resolve the issue. Options have been evaluated and have been proposed to reduce and neutralize the knotweed. In the most ideal situation, steam would be used, during which the knotweed would be choked and burned internally, to the point where large cell destruction occurs. At this point, the knotweed could be permanently disposed of. This affords a much safer option than many others that have been proposed, such as chemical treatment. In the spirit of conservation, we'
OUR GOALTo rid Northfield and the world of Japanese Knotweed, a most devious and malicious plant. |
IT'S UP TO US
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Let's come together as a community to help preserve the beauty of our town.