Left uncontrolled, invasive plant species outcompete and eliminate native plant communities. When native plants disappear, the local food web collapses, and countless arthropods, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals are left without habitat.

Established in 2011, the Strike Team is a small group of volunteers that works to protect and restore the habitats of native fauna and flora by eradicating high-priority invasive plant species. High-priority species include those that pose the greatest threat to Great Swamp habitats and those that have not yet established a firm foothold here.

The Strike Team works year-round. We generally go out twice each week (not on weekends). Since we use herbicides, our workday schedule depends on weather. Team members learn how to identify target species and how to use best practices for foliar, cut-stump, basal-bark, EZ-ject, and hand-pull treatments. Each eradication effort follows a plan; we monitor results and update plans as needed. The work is physically demanding—we cover terrain that is uneven, muddy, and densely vegetated. We encounter thorns, mosquitos, ticks, and poison ivy. But we do have a lot of fun.

An invasive infestation cannot be controlled with a one-off effort, whether it be a workday, a month of workdays, or even an entire growing season. Annual follow-up is necessary, which means that the Strike Team is a long-term endeavor. Fortitudine vincimus.