During a walk in a local park I came upon this interesting and somewhat distressing pattern of what appeared to be soap froth. It looked to me very much like the white swirls a Barista would use to decorate a fancy cup of coffee. The creek was slowly pouring over a log creating this delicate pattern. As I walked I started to think about some of the species introduced here that have really flourished.
Invasive species here to stay?
It has been interesting to see how invasive species, when left unchecked have altered this park. Purple Loosestrife soaking up the swamp, English ivy climbing ,spreading over and eventually killing some trees. Himalayan blackberry eagerly spread their prickly limbs to soak up the light in any open areas. These are just a few of the really noticeable additions. At the pond Red-Eared Slider turtles have displaced the local turtles . They are native to the southern United States, central America and Brazil and live 20 to 40 years. These turtles are sold through pet stores and when the owners tire of them or need to dispose of them the Red-eared Slider turtles are released in local ponds with good intentions but disastrous results. One day in the fall of I counted 14 these turtles in a row on a big log. During a stroll I watched a female looking for a spot to dig a nest UNDER a patch of blackberries so I left her alone. Those blackberries are the tastiest of pests.
Another recent addition is the American Bullfrog. They are big and hungry. I managed to get close for this photo but it is hard to judge the size. They were being raised in the southern United States for the meat in their legs. After a few of these wily rascals escaped they have spread north through creeks and wetlands dislodging native species. These critters have a really loud croak. Do people have them for pets?Let's all think before we ditch feather, fur, shell, fin and leaf......and whatever I missed.
