The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, March 10, 1999 5 ACase for conservation Alene N. Case No o COOK'S . When‘most people think of in- vading aliens, they do not picture a beautiful flower or a graceful bird. But, in the United States, there are major problems caused by plants and animals that have come to this country from Asia or Europe, brought here either in- tentionally or unintentionally by human immigrants or visitors. Perhaps it.is easiest to under- stand the alien invasion in terms ~ of our bird populations. Starlings and house sparrows both have “European” in their names for good reason. They have come here along with people who immi- grated from Europe and have be- come quite widespread in Ameri- can urban areas where other birds cannot compete with them for nesting places or food. Their natu- ral enemies have not accompa- nied .them to their new home. If one saw only starlings and house sparrows, would it not become quite boring to watch the birds? + Invasive plants are an even more ubiquitous problem. Early settlers brought many plants to the “new world” with them to use as medicines and foods and in the dying of cloth. They also acciden- tally carried many seeds along with them in their bedding, cloth- ing, tools, and in the hay used to feed their animals. Ships carried soil as ballast, and we all know how many dormant seeds soil can contain.- Scientists and horticul- tural specialists have often brought plants from foreign coun- tries to. study or to help create beautiful gardens. None of these introductions could be termed Borough tax office closed March 15-29 Dallas Borough tax office, 68 Main Street, Dallas, will be closed Monday, March 15 to and includ- ing March 29, 1999. All taxes are inthe discount period until April 15,1999. BIRTHS > NESBITT HOSPITAL THOMPSON, Jeff and Lisa Dallas, twin sons, Feb. 26. HABIB, Victor and Deanna, Harveys. Lake, a daughter, Feb. 27. BOYLE, Patrick and Sandra, Dallas’, a daughter, March 3. ’ Hust [Zetween Orriends Local Crafters ‘March (@fe] ale | Xe) 8 (1 10140 1 1a] 2] lo Tod /@ [<1 | \VA T=Te |g 8 oz. S5.00 (GER) jewelry « baby items wooden crafts yard signs dolls « wedding 64] Memorial Hwy., Dallas (Between J&J Deli & LaBar's) b75-0621 PHARMACY ' ‘'e Computerized Prescription Service ® Russell Stover Candies e Greeting Cards e PA Lottery Tickets ''e Newspapers _® Magazines 159 N. MemorialHwy., " _ .Shavertown, PA Watch for alien invaders “bad.” However, we now have 10- 20 percent of “wild” plants that grow in the eastern US that are not native to these shores. Most introduced plants do not thrive outside of cultivation. Oth- ers simply grow within the natu- ral system and create no discern- ible problems. A notable few have taken over natural habitats and are termed “noxious weeds” or “invasive exotics.” These plants grow aggressively and spread rap- idly. - Usually, they have few in- sect or disease pathogens to keep them in check in their new envi- ronment. American animals have not developed a taste for them, and, therefore, they do not get eaten. They often produce large numbers of seeds which are dis- persed easily and germinate pro- lifically. They take over an area, pushing out those native plants that provide food, nesting sites, and other habitat for our native birds and animals. One of the most dangerous “in- vasive exotic” is the very beautiful purple loosestrife. It has taken over so many eastern wetlands that many ecologists consider it almost as big a threat to wetland species as draining or filling. The other plants in the swamp or marsh are crowded out, and wa- terfowl and other wetland ani- mals decline as a result. Delicate ecosystems such as wetlands or deserts are particu- larly susceptible to harm from alien species. Itis estimated that of all the 958 federally endan- gered or threatened species 42 percent have been impacted by non-native species. The Nature Conservancy lists more than 170 species for which aliens (both plants and animals) are the major reason for their declines. When one considers that invasive plant in your own backyard species spread to more than. six square miles of US land owned by the Forest Service or the Bureau ‘ of Land Management every single day, then one can get a view of the scale of this problem. Home gardeners can do much to help decrease the problems caused by alien invaders. We can first refrain from the stubborn- ness that many Americans have developed in defense of non-na- tive invasive species. (The mute swan — getting back to the birds — is one example of a very de- structive but beautiful invader which is defended by the general population while it pushes out native waterfowl and muddies water for native fish.) This spring let's begin replac- ing our non-native shrubs and perennials with viburnums, dog- woods, serviceberry, holly, cardi- nal flower, Joe-Pye weed, trumpet creeper, and any number of other colorful species (for suggestions, call the state university Coopera- tive Extension Service office near you). And, as you walk or drive around our area, if you see purple loosestrife in a ditch or swamp or along a stream, do the other wild- life a favor and pull it out by the roots. Do not put the plant into your compost pile; discard it with your trash. (If you are worried about the legality of this strategy, Article 8(h) of the 1992 Interna- tional Convention on Biological Diversity is your justification.) Inform your neighbors and friends about the dangers of purple loosestrife and other invasives such as Russian olive and garlic mustard. Encourage landscapers to use native flowers instead of supposedly harmless varieties of loosestrife and other imported ornamentals. Tell our advertisers you saw them in The Dallas Post. They'll appreciate it, and so will we. Steven’ Ss Town & Country Cleaners Country Club Shopping Ctr. « Dallas ALWAYS QUALITY DRYCLEANING ~InKingstonandD - A-member of the International Fabricare Institute, the association of professional drycleaners and launderers. * Shirts Laundered ¢ Draperies and Household Items Fine Dry Cleaning ¢ Alterations Wedding Gown Specialist 675-0468 Hours: Mon. — Fri. 6A.M. - 7 P.M.Sat. 7 AM. - 5 P.M. Over 20 Years In Business alfa \ 5 J A PROGRAM Y PRESENTER: COMMUNITY ROOM COLORECTAL CANCER: WHAT YOU CAN Do To PREVENT IT Of the nearly 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed every year, some 56,000 will result in death. But there is hope. Early detection of colorectal cancer can significantly improve the chances of successfully treating the disease! Join our medical expert as he explains current treatments and the importance of early detection. Those attending the program will receive a free colorectal screening kit! THOMAS J. CASTELLANO, MD CHIEF, SECTION OF GASTROENTEROLOGY THURSDAY © MARCH 11 © 7 pM BACK MOUNTAIN MEDICAL CENTER 100 UprPER DEMUNDS ROAD, DALLAS For reservations or more information, | please call 1-800-838-WELL. YOMING VALLEY eee = = CEE = I HEALTH CARE SYSTEM _ - POST PHOTO/CHARLOTTE BARTIZEK Big response to book drive Eighth grade students at Gate of Heaven School filled the school's gymnasium with more than 5,000 used books they collected for Project Renaissance Inc., which sends used books to needy students in third world nations. Shown surrounded by some of the donations, from left; Jonathan Carroll and Brett Considine, foreground. Behind them; Stacy Koprowski, Janna Schmid, Meghan Reino, Jim Harkins, Brad Yocum, Chase Susko, Jim Chupka, Pat Austin, Jason Austin. Meadows Auxiliary makes donation The Auxiliary of the Meadows Nursing Center, Dallas, recently donated a Pulse Oximeter to the Rehabilitation Department at the center. This device is used to monitor residents’ oxygen levels and pulse during therapy. Shown, from left, Midge Smith, Auxiliary President; Lois Keller, Auxilian; James Alaimo, Meadows Administrator; Cindy Lucarella, Rehab Dept. Team Leader demonstrating the oximeter with resident, Bernie Pape; and Diane Malonis, RN, Meadows director of Nursing. On Display Over 40 Dining Rooms, Over 50 Bedrooms, and Over 60 Living Rooms. 95-97 South Main Street Wilkes-Barre Daily: 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ‘Monday & Thursday ‘til 8:30 p.m. Leather Gallery LeatherCraft + Distinction Laurent + Pennsylvania House Wicker Gallery Henry Link Lane Venture BELL) Home <— FURNISHINGS AUTHORIZED DEALER OF: Bernhardt * Pennsylvania House * Lexington * Stanley * Rowe * Richardson Brothers * Sumter * Hooker * American Drew Clayton Marcus * Lane * Master Design * Crawford + Cochrane + Universal * Schnadig * Wambold * Crescent + Najarian Vaughan + Carsons + Canadel * Riverside * Pulaski * Jetton * Bermex © Jasper * Mobel * Barcalounger * Flexsteel + Harden BenchCraft + Cambridge * Keller + Key City * Eddie Bauer © Fine Art * Leeazanne - Stiffel * Bedding By Serta Interior Decorating Services Available 90 Days Same As Cash Luzerne * Dallas Swoyersville ¢ Plains Township Member FDIC. Beginning 1/1/2000, a minimum balance fee may take effect. All other checking account fees will be in effect at the time the account is opened. This offer is available to new checking account customers only. Offer may be withdrawn at any time.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers