clair084

Invasive species may be key to understanding death of hundreds of loons by Dan Kraker , Minnesota Public Radio DULUTH, Minn. — Spring is in the air, with daylight savings taking effect on Sunday, and loons will begin their migration back to the north woods in less than a month.           Loons, of course, are a cultural and natural icon, not only in Minnesota but across the Great Lakes states. But last fall, nearly 900 loons died while migrating south across Lake Michigan, probably more. And it's likely at least some were from Minnesota.           Scientists are not sure what killed the loons, but they suspect that invasive species may be to blame. In October, Lynette Grimes was hiking toward Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, outside Traverse City, Mich. The 52-year-old from the nearby town of Benzonia has walked the beaches there for y...

Myths lie at root of native, exotic plants Written by Yew Dell Botanical Gardens Amur honeysuckle, burning bush, ‘Bradford’ pear ... a few poster children for the invasive exotic plant debate. The debate has raged for decades.  But it is often myth that fuels the dissension. But before we dispel some myths, how about a few definitions? Continue reading at link. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Conn. trying to contain tree-eating borer By QUANNAH LEONARD, Republican-American of Waterbury MIDDLEBURY, Conn. — Piles of ash bark cushioned the feet of state workers inside a state garage on Middlebury Road on a recent day. The men and women used draw knives to slowly peel back bark on bolts of ash trees, looking for signs of a tiny green beetle. Their work began at the beginning of February, and will continue for at least one more session this month. They want to determine just how long and far the emerald ash borer has infested the...