Invasive Plant Removal

Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), also known as the Florida holly, was introduced to Florida in 1898 from its native habitat in Brazil. Since its introduction a little over a century ago, the Brazilian pepper tree has taken over more than 700,000 acres of land in Florida. A direct negative impact from this exotic, invasive plant on the Florida ecosystem is the displacement of native plant species. The Brazilian pepper tree is able to out-compete native plants due to its fast growth rate and allelopathic (toxic or inhibitory activity) effects. Brazilian peppers in the Tampa Bay area are displacing native mangrove forests at an alarming rate. This, in turn, is reducing vital coastal habitat for native wildlife.

Tampa Bay Watch has designed a program to help facilitate the removal of Brazilian pepper trees from our coastal communities. Successful removal of Brazilian peppers requires specialized equipment, training of professional staff and volunteers, application of toxic herbicides, and networking with agencies and local governments, all of which may not be available to well-intentioned community members. Tampa Bay Watch helps provide the organizational support to bring together trained staff and community volunteers with local government partners to attack the problem of invasive plant species on a regional level.

Tampa Bay Watch focuses on the removal of Exotic Plants in public areas (local and state parks, neighborhood associations, and regional shoreline causeways. An anticipated two community removal events will be coordinated each year.

Invasive, non-native plants are a problem for park and environmental land managers, farmers, ranchers and homeowners. Millions of dollars are spent each year battling pest plants that threaten our native, natural plant communities.

A non-native invasive is a plant from somewhere other than Florida that spreads aggressively into natural areas. All non-native plants are not invasive. They become invasive when they outgrow and replace native plants in natural plant communities.

Tampa Bay Watch’s Invasive plant removal program provides technical assistance and organizes volunteers to assist local governments with removing invasive species. Tampa Bay Watch scientists can help you learn which plants are native and belong, and what plants should be removed. You can help Tampa Bay Watch and your environment by participating in invasive plant removal work days and planting Florida native plants.

The Tampa Bay Watch offices have “gone native.” Native plants communities provide nesting areas for Florida’s birds and food for our wild birds and animals. Drop by our office and tour our gardens to get native plant ideas for your own home.

For more information, contact Martha Gruber.

Register as a volunteer to be notified of the upcoming invasive plant removal events!