Ecological Threats

Each natural community faces ecological threats that could change its defining features, leading to its decline.

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Rock Creek Park

Non-Native Invasive Plants

The Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest in Rock Creek Park contains many non-native invasive plants. The harms caused by non-native invasive plants include competition with natives for soil nutrients, sunlight, and pollinators, and degradation of animal habitat. Some of the most common ones are oriental bittersweet, Japanese barberry, and Japanese honeysuckle. Linden arrow-wood is rapidly gaining ground. (* indicates non-native)

Diseases, Pests, and Other Threats

Current and potential ecological threats for the Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest in Rock Creek Park include the following: