Many people have heard the well-publicized admonitions to “Buy it where you burn it” or “Don't pack a pest!” But why does it matter? Exotic pests (including plants and insects) are continually being introduced into California's landscapes, farms and natural habitats from plants sold in nurseries, transported firewood, fruits and vegetables, and even in an unsuspecting person's luggage.

According to the Center for Invasive Species Research (CISR) at UC Riverside, “California acquires one new exotic species, on average, every 60 days. At this rate, around six new species establish in California each year. Estimated losses arising from the uncontrolled population growth of these pests amounts to an estimated $3 billion per annum.”

Exotic plants and pests can quickly turn invasive in their new environments because they no longer subject to natural predators or diseases that kept their populations under control in their native territories. Once an invasive pest starts to rapidly colonize and spread, it becomes increasingly more difficult to eradicate, causing both environmental and economic damage.

Prevention and early detection is key

The UC Master Gardener Program and its more than 6,000 volunteers play a critical role in helping stop and prevent the spread of invasive plants and pests in California through early identification and prevention.

For example, through its partnership with PlantRight, the UC Master Gardeners were at the forefront of educating the public about a beautiful but potentially devastating invasive grass. Mexican feathergrass (Nassella or Stipa tenuissima) was once loved for its delicate features and drought-tolerance. However, one Mexican feather grass plant is capable of producing tens of thousands of seeds which are easily spread by wind, animals and water. Once it becomes established, Mexican feather grass crowds out other grasses, threatening California's diverse native grass species. Through extension and outreach, UC Master Gardener volunteers not only educated the public about the dangers of this plant but also recommended the more sustainable options found on PlantRight's alternative plant list.

Another of the many ways UC Master Gardeners are making a difference in early detection and prevention of invasive species is the participation in PlantRight's annual Spring Nursery Survey. Every year volunteers visit hundreds of retail nursery locations tracking the location of invasive plants being sold. The annual Spring Nursery Survey information helps the nursery industry replace invasive plants with environmentally safe alternatives.

Trusted resources and information

Since 1981, the UC Master Gardener Program has been an industry leader in extending UC research-based information about home gardening to the public. The UC Master Gardener Program's enthusiastic volunteers engage the public, share information, identify pests and recommend sustainable solutions. Contact your local program for questions about invasives by visiting mg.ucanr.edu.

The UC Master Gardener Program is a statewide program through UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR). Another great resource for invasive species from UC ANR is the statewide UC Integrated Pest Management Program (UC IPM). UC ANR also has researchers and advisors working with the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) to protect California's water and land resources from invasive species.

So this year participate in National Invasive Species Awareness Week (Feb. 21-27) and share this information and its trusted resources like an “invasive.” Educating friends, family and neighbors is an important step in early detection and prevention!