Of the hundreds of plant species in York, Maine, many of them are considered to be invasive and/or non-native. According to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry, Maine has around 2,100 plant species, one-third of which are non-native or invasive species. Non-native and invasive plants can cause irreversible damage to the surrounding environment and to other indigenous species, especially in areas like York that consist of a variety of different environments that range from terrestrial to oceanic. Most of these species can become serious threats to indigenous species during the growing seasons of spring, summer, and fall. Not only do these threats include the loss of biodiversity and increases the odds of food insecurity, but the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has stated that invasive and non-native species can weaken the resilience of natural habitats battling the effects of climate change, which can negatively impact the well-being of humans who reside in or rely on these natural areas. The lack of knowledge surrounding the spread of invasive species can also cause detrimental impacts on humans. Invasive species can spread new diseases, existing diseases, or other toxins into the environment, according to the U.S Department of Agriculture. York Ready For Climate Action seeks to mitigate these impacts by educating the public on the environmental and human consequences of invasive and non-native plant species.
Irresponsible gardening practices, such as using non-native species in gardens, methane filled fertilizers, and gardening out-of-season plants decreases biodiversity and environmental integrity of the city. This problem stems from a lack of knowledge within the community on sustainable gardening practices. If non-native and invasive plant species continue to out compete native ones, then York is at risk to lose the majority of its natural ecosystems. Not only will this have vastly detrimental effects on the environment but younger generations will never get the opportunity to learn and interact with their native and natural environment. This will also lead to a decrease in York’s natural resilience to fight climate change, which could have devastating effects on the nearly 13,000 people who live there.
York Ready for Climate Action has a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase educational programs that are available to individual homes, and improve the number of individuals that are willing to take part in greenhouse gas emission reduction. Updates on our website, monthly informational pamphlets, and gardening events can establish a much needed conversation about invasive and non-native plants, sustainability, and climate change. Widespread knowledge of sustainable gardening practices can help decrease greenhouse gas emissions in the community by preventing invasive species from taking over, which may alter the ability of native plants to participate in the carbon cycle. Other detrimental effects, like the loss of biodiversity and the possibility of the spread of diseases to humans, may also be mitigated by accessible information. York Ready for Climate Action has always “supported the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by supporting climate actions, enhancing awareness of the effects of climate change, and advocating for solutions that move us toward sustainable earth”, which includes the fundamental rights of humans to have access to environmental information in order to make educated decisions regarding the environment that they call home.
