Summer 2000
 This issue of Puddler teaches readers about plants and animals that are found in North America, but are not native to this continent. Biologists call these non-native species "aliens." When aliens become established, they often cause problems for native wildlife and people, too. The issue also continues a series that encourages children to look more closely at nature's "small spaces" (such as the cattail stand featured this time around); these "mini habitats" often harbor surprising amounts of life.

Special Feature: "Aliens in the Wetland World"

There are aliens among us! Alien plants and animals, that is. Biologists call a plant or animal species an alien when it becomes established outside its native habitat. Most aliens "invade" new areas as a result of human activities; whether people aid alien invasions on purpose or by accident, many aliens can cause problems for native species once they become established. Special Feature highlights six species that have negatively impacted North American wetlands and their wildlife: carp, nutria, mute swans, zebra mussels, starlings and purple loosestrife.

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 K-3 Activity
          
   4 -6 Activity

More About...: "...Purple Loosestrife"

Purple loosestrife is a flowering plant that was brought to North America from Europe about 150 years ago. It escaped from gardens and soon began growing in wetland areas. Today, purple loosestrife grows in wetlands throughout most of this continent. This alien species spells trouble for native plants and grasses, as it can grow more quickly and can inhibit the growth of other plants. Purple loosestrife has no value to native wildlife and destroys a wetland's value. Private citizens and government agencies in both the United States and Canada have programs to fight the spread of purple loosestrife. The most promising new program involves the use of European beetles that eat purple loosestrife and lay eggs on the plants as well. Where these beetles have been released, they have significantly reduced the growth and spread of purple loosestrife plants.

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Young Naturalist: "A Closer Look: Cattail Stand"

While many people enjoy seeing large animals in places like lakes and fields, smaller habitats can hide a surprising amount of life on a smaller scale. For example, a cattail stand provides food and shelter above and below the water line in a marsh. When outdoors, it's worthwhile to take the time to study the landscape on a smaller scale–such as the cattail stand featured in this issue–for signs of activity that might otherwise be overlooked.

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