East Greenbush

Keep Invasive Species Out!

 
About
What is this funny looking foot brush? Believe it or not, you have to wipe your shoes before and after you go hiking. Most invasive species are prohibited in New York State as they destroy biodiversity and damage the food supply for native plants and animals. They also disrupt the ecological processes in the trails which can eventually lead to extinction in these native plants and animals. These invasive organisms often come in the form of plants, and spread from the bottom of one's shoes by stepping on them. The organisms stick to the shoe and spread to the next trail or forest they enter. We do not want these unfriendly plants on our trails. This is deadly and very dangerous for indigenous plants, and it can negatively impact human health too. That's why using these brushes really alleviates guilt and worry that makes your hiking safe and enjoyable for yourself, the plants and animals.

If one is not located where the trail ends, please locate the nearest one and wipe your feet.

Invasive Species Info

Here are 3 invasive species that already exist in the East Greenbush Town Park.

Japanese Barberry Bush

Japanese barberry is an invasive species throughout the northeastern U.S. that grows between 3 to 6 feet. It grows well in full sun to deep shade and takes sunlight away from native plants and trees. It provides a haven for ticks that carry the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. This bush also causes abnormal soil erosion which leads to an increase in invasive earthworms.

Poison Hemlock

Poison hemlock is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Symptoms appear from 20 minutes and up to three hours later. Humans can experience dilation of the pupils, dizziness, and trembling followed by slowing of the heartbeat, paralysis of the central nervous system, muscle paralysis, and death due to respiratory failure while animals will suffer from nervous trembling, salivation, lack of coordination, pupil dilation, rapid weak pulse, respiratory paralysis, coma, and sometimes death. If there is any chance that you have ingested this plant, contact 911 immediately as the poison is fast acting. There is treatment that will reverse the effects, and typically there won’t be any lingering aftereffects. Please note that ALL parts of the plant are poisonous, and the dead canes stay toxic for up to three years.

Beech leaf disease

Beech leaf disease (BLD) is a relatively new disease that can kill both native and ornamental beech tree species. It is associated with a nematode, Litylenchus crenatae mccannii that disturbs the process of photosynthesis, which can kill mature trees in 6-10 years. Symptoms of BLD include dark green striped bands between the leaves veins, reduced leaf size and leaf curling. As symptoms progress, there's reduced leaf production, premature leaf dropping and an overall reduction in canopy cover.

 

More Info can be found here:

https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/99141.html

http://nyis.info

https://www.wnyprism.org/invasive_species/

https://www.renstrust.org/11-explore/300-common-invasive-species

 

Bio

Hello! My name is Brenna Sambrook, and I am the Girl Scout who put together this website and installed the foot brushes & signage at the East Greenbush Town Park. You can find the foot brushes at 3 main entrances to trails within the park: Along the entry road to the park, next to the Red Barn (where the main trails start) and on the side of the dark park. I was inspired to work on this project for my Gold Award after working with the Rensselaer Youth Outdoors, Forest Conservation Corps in the summer of 2019. I am so thankful that Town Supervisor Jack Conway and Town Recreation Director, Mike Martin, were so supportive of my project and helped make it happen! I am also grateful to Laurel Kelley & Laurel Plante, two amazing troop leaders, who guided me through this process.
 

Contact

E-mail: brenna@eastgreenbushinvasivespecies.info
Please send any questions or comments