UF IEEE went to our local Serenola preserve to participate in the Great Invader Raider Rally. This event spans north Florida as a large, coordinated effort to help remove invasive species from our parks, preserves, and other natural areas. Invasive plants are a huge problem in Florida where they outcompete natural plants and contribute to a reduction in biodiversity. The plant we helped remove is called Coral Ardisia. This tenacious plant is very recognizable with its bright red berries. Originally introduced to Florida as an ornamental, it is a fierce plant that has taken over much of our forest areas. It produces bright red berries that are mildly toxic to native birds and other animals. The plant also grows rapidly, cutting out native plants. With no natural predators it does not provide any benefit to native wildlife. This plant's berries are especially important to remove in February because this time of year is when its berries are ready to fall off and propagate. Each berry has an extremely high change of producing another plant.
With IEEE's help, we were able to remove thousands of berries from plants in the Serenola preserve. We also pulled many of these plants from the ground. Follow up events will take place to spray and pull the remaining plants in the following weeks and hopefully result in a massive reduction in the Coral Ardisia's dominance. Before our help it's bright red berries were spread through almost the entire preserve.
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