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Mayor proclaims National Invasive Species Awareness Week; city-sponsored roundup collected more than 200 pounds
Summary
Mayor Bob McPartland proclaimed Feb. 24–28 as Invasive Species Awareness Week in Sebastian and acknowledged a recent community air-potato roundup that collected more than 200 pounds of invasive air-potato vines and tubers.
Mayor Bob McPartland on Feb. 12 proclaimed Feb. 24 through Feb. 28 as Invasive Species Awareness Week for the City of Sebastian and recognized a partnership with Pelican Island Audubon Society that hosted Sebastian’s first Great Air-Potato Roundup.
In his proclamation, the mayor cited the threat invasive aquatic, riparian and terrestrial species pose to local ecosystems, industry, agriculture and recreation, and noted that prevention is less expensive than removal. Parks volunteers and staff collected what event organizers described as more than 200 pounds of air-potato tubers and a truckload of vines at Stormwater Park. Event organizers warned the public that the air-potatoes are toxic and should not be eaten.
Why this matters
Invasive plants such as air-potato can alter native tree health and local ecosystems and impede outdoor recreation. The proclamation and community roundup are part of the city’s effort to detect and remove invasive species early.
What’s next
The proclamation encourages residents to learn about invasive-species prevention and to participate in local removal events; the city and partners plan outreach during National Invasive Species Awareness Week.
