We have all been warned about climate change and environmental awareness, but we often neglect to think about the well-being of our own ecosystem in Vermont, said Lars Lund and Kristin Ross, experts in the wildlife and conservation field.  

And invasive species are a bigger threat to our environment than most of us realize.  

Lund, a protection forester for the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, gave a lecture via Zoom in the Jeffords Auditorium as part of a weekly series of science speakers. Lund discussed the dangers of invasive species in Vermont and the economic and environmental impacts of these invaders.  

Lund described invasive species as “exotic species,” meaning, “all species of plants and animals not naturally occurring.”  The VT Invasives site for environmental conservation, however, gives the direct meaning saying “plants, animals, and other organisms that are introduced to a non-native ecosystem and also cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.”  

The term invasive species has many connotations associated with it, as Lund pointed out.  This is why most of us do not entirely grasp how much of an impact these organisms have, negatively or positively, on our ecosystem.

“The enemy is something we put there…We are the environmental stewards…and we need to act accordingly,” Lund said.  

The more aware we are of our surroundings, the more capability we have to make a change, he added.

Ross, who teaches Environmental Science, talked about small steps we can take to help preserve our ecosystem. She described invasive species as being potentially threatening or nonthreatening, depending on the type and quantity. 

Ross explained that ecosystems are changed by invasive species but if it’s a negative or positive depends on the species and the species density.  For instance, the spotted lantern fly, a deadly invasive species, kills native plants and puts apple orchards in danger which impacts our environment in a negative way. 

Ross pointed out that some invasive species are necessary in reasonable, sustainable quantities.  

“We rely on so many different species,” she added, describing how white-tailed deer survive solely on certain invasive plants and organisms.

She pointed out that there are ways to help protect the ecosystem and the environment as a whole.  She said buying locally, “eating lower on the food chain”, and connecting with professional organizations and societies that deal with the conservation of our ecosystem has a positive impact.

Ross explained that it is important to care for our environment as it correlates to humans.  

“Healthy ecosystems are tied to human health,” she said, adding we should be vigilant about introducing potentially harmful foreign soil and other organisms into our ecosystem as it could harm humans and the environment alike. 

Ross warned of our contribution to our environment and humankind, claiming that we will “pay the consequences,” should we neglect to protect our ecosystem.  

“Healthy ecosystems help regulate the climate,” she said.  

VTSU student, Gavin Bradley, a wildlife and animal enthusiast, weighed in through an email response saying “It’s extremely important for overall biodiversity health and ecosystem health.” 

He explained that managing invasive species is how we manage our personal health as well as the health of our wildlife and environment. 

“Many times, invasive species bring with them microorganisms that are not native, which can flip an ecosystem upside down if not studied and managed properly,” Bradley explained.