Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

Chinese privet. Bamboo.

Every time I see them, I wish I didn’t. Invasive species aren’t good, but I was curious why.

Now, when I am on a walk or drive around Fort Worth, I see privet and bamboo everywhere. Here are some recent offenses that I captured with my phone: 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an invasive species is defined as a species that is:

• Non-native to the ecosystem under consideration, and
• Whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic harm, environmental harm, or harm to human health.

That doesn’t sound like a good thing.

Why are invasive plants so successful?

• Many produce large quantities of seeds.
• They often thrive in disturbed soil.
• Seeds spread easily by birds, wind, or unknowingly by humans, allowing them to travel long distances.
• Some have aggressive root systems that spread far from a single plant.
• These roots grow densely and can smother surrounding vegetation.
• Some release chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby plants.

What does the impact look like?

• Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species, and are the main cause for 18%.
• They compete with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space.
• Overall plant diversity decreases.
• Wildlife habitat is degraded.
• Agricultural land quality declines.
• Water quality worsens.
• Soil erosion increases.
• Recreational opportunities decrease.

These impacts disrupt the balance of ecosystems that all species depend on.

What can I do?

• Don’t pick or transport noxious weeds.
• Stay on established roads and trails.
• Use certified weed-free feed for animals.
• Remove seeds from animals and gear.
• Don’t pick plants you can’t identify.
• Avoid camping or driving in heavily infested areas.

How did bamboo get to Texas?

There are actually native bamboos in Texas, commonly known as river cane.

River cane (Arundinaria gigantea) is found in East Texas, typically along riverbanks and wet areas, mostly east of the Brazos River. It forms dense thickets called canebrakes.

Historically widespread, it has been reduced to about 2% of its original range due to overgrazing and urbanization (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center).

Below is the little bit of progress that we make by cutting down privet at the nature center. And it might be small, but I think back to one of my favorite quotes: “You can’t do everything for everyone, but you can do something for someone.”