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Infestation Summary
Infestation Maps, 2003 to 2005:
Notice the increasing extent of both the smooth brome and the creeping thistle. The thistle growth is very alarming, and in the three year period has more than doubled in size. The brome growth is not as obvious, for this reason (along with the fact that it is a grass), people are not noticing, or even acknowledging, that the brome is taking over the natural prairie habitat.
Smooth Brome Invasion, 2003 to 2005:
Figure 29 smooth brome invasion of Whispering Woods from 2003 to 2005
The smooth brome has spread in from the edges of Whispering Woods, and the small patches are expanding into the natural prairie habitat. If there is nothing done about this invasive species then it will eventually take over the entire park, leaving behind a monoculture of weeds. There is still some rough fescue and other native plants still alive in the smooth brome areas. However, in the larger areas, which have been there longer, there are significantly fewer native plants.
Creeping Thistle Invasion, 2003 to 2005:
Figure 30 creeping thistle invasion of Whispering Woods from 2003 to 2005
The creeping thistle in Whispering Woods is a major problem, and fortunately the public easily recognizes this. There have been many efforts to control the thistle, including 'Thistle Pickin' Parties'. However, it seems that hand controlling the thistle does not work on populations of thistle that are this large. There may have to be chemicals brought in (glyphosate) to get the population under control for future hand management.
Raw Data, 2003:
Figure 31 2003 base map with reference points and thistle and brome invasions marked
This data was taken in May 2004, before there was any new growth.
Raw Data, 2004:
Figure 32 2004 base map with reference points and thistle and brome invasions marked
This data was taken in June 2005, before there was significant new growth.
Raw Data, 2005:
Figure 33 2005 base map with reference points and thistle and brome invasions marked
This data was taken in October and November of 2005, after the 2005 growing season.
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