Swallowwort is a nonnative plant and is causing significant damage to biodiversity in the United States. Swallow-wort's seeds spread widely and can quickly encroach upon areas once dominated native plants. Swallowwort can also spread to other animals, including birds, insects and mammals.
Swallow-wort thrives in a wide range of environments, from sunny pastures to heavily shaded sites. Swallow-wort is common in upland habitats, and can also be found in woodlands and agricultural fields. Apart from the possibility of damage to native plants, swallowwort poses a serious threat monarch butterflies and larvae, who depend on its leaves. As a result, swallow-wort is considered an invasive species by some authorities.
Swallow-wort plants can reach 7 feet in height during the summer and can form tangled vines which can make it difficult to navigate. These vines interfere with reforestation efforts and the regeneration of forest areas. If caught early, however they can be managed. In certain cases, they can also be controlled by destroying seed pods.
Black swallowwort is a dense, fast-growing vine that forms root crowns. It is so aggressive that it can quickly take over an area and stop other plants from growing. It can lead to a significant decline in wildlife, including birds and insects, depending on how severe the infestation is. Swallow-wort has been shown to decrease the population of the monarch butterflies, which depend on native milkweed for their survival.
Black swallow-wort is an invasive weed that can be found in several parts of the U.S., from the eastern United States to the Midwest. While it has a similar appearance to milkweed's, its leaves can be found much darker and have a shiny finish. Some of the flowers are star-shaped with five petals.
There are several types of herbicides that can be used to control swallowwort. You can use glyphosate on the vine, after the flowers have popped, or on the leaves. It may take multiple applications depending on the extent of infestation to get effective control. A foliar spray is not recommended as it will not reach the roots and can have harmful effects on nearby plants. It can be difficult to get the herbicide into vine roots so be cautious.
Black swallowwort is a weed often found along roadsides, in disturbed areas, as well as in homes. This weed is not toxic to birds, mammals or humans. It can however create a monoculture that is deficient in nutrients. Wind can blow its seeds pods, which can cause long-distance transport. To prevent the spread of this plant, be sure to destroy the pods before they open.
Swallow-worts can also be mowed. Mowing the vine over can disrupt the reproduction cycle, so this is not recommended. It is best to remove the area from the vine and to clean your boots, ATVs and any other equipment.
FAQ
How old should my baby be before I let them go outside?
Children need sunlight and fresh air every day. So whether your kids are toddlers, preschoolers, or elementary schoolers, please encourage them to spend as much time in the sun as possible.
Avoid snow exposure if possible. If your children are young, ensure they wear sunscreen and hats whenever they are outside.
Children under age five should only spend 10 minutes at one time outside. The length can be increased until it reaches a maximum of 2 hours per day.
Why is family garden important?
Family gardeners are passionate about growing food for themselves and their families.
Children learn responsibility from their family gardens. This helps them develop patience, cooperation time management and problem solving skills. Parents also learn how to take care of the environment and grow confidence.
The benefits of gardens for adults include a greater sense of connection to the natural world and a lower risk of developing stress. Our brains produce "happy hormones," which are chemicals that make us feel happier and healthier when we spend time outside.
The benefits of family gardening go far beyond physical and mental health. Gardens help to conserve natural resources, preserve the environment, reduce stormwater runoff, filter pollutants, and create habitats for wildlife.
What are the best 5 outdoor activities for children?
Whether you live in the country or the suburbs, there are tons of fun things to do outside. Here are five fun activities every child should be able to enjoy.
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Go to the Zoo - Zoos are wonderful places for quality family time. Not only does going to a zoo allow you to get up close and personal with animals, but it's also a great opportunity to teach your kids about conservation and animal welfare. Some zoos offer special programs that help educate visitors about issues facing endangered species worldwide. Online information is available. You can also call ahead to inquire about classes and events at your local Zoo.
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Visit a Nature Center. Nature centers are wonderful places where you can learn about the natural world. There are usually exhibits, interactive displays, and lots of hands-on activities. All the cool things they can do with will be a surprise to your kids! You can also visit a nature centre to go on a hike through the nearby forests and parks.
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Take your kids for a ride on a bicycle - When was it that you last took your children on a bicycle? They'll enjoy riding bikes as much as you did growing up. Bike riding is not just good exercise, it's also an excellent way to get to know your local area and uncover hidden treasures.
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Play a Sports Game. Sports games don't only appeal to kids who grew-up playing them. Sports games have continued to be popular for all ages. The key is finding something that works well for your group. Family time can be spent together in many ways, including basketball, soccer and hockey.
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A Movie Under the Stars - This is a great way to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of your backyard. All you need to do is grab a blanket or lawnchair, a picnic basket with food and drinks, and maybe even a grill. It's so relaxing to be outside under the stars! Grab your blankets and get out there.
These are five great outdoor activities for families.
There are many ways to spend quality time outdoors, no matter if you're an outdoorman or a city dweller. There are so many ways to bond with your family, such as hiking, camping, fishing and even scuba diving.
Here are some of our top picks when it comes to outdoor activities that kids can enjoy.
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Hiking - Hike along trails or explore a state park near you. For your hike, bring snacks and water. Bring binoculars if you'd like to spot wildlife while out walking. Pack sleeping bags and tents for overnight stays if you're planning to leave the house.
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Camping - Another way to get out and enjoy the outdoors without having to leave your home. You can choose to bring light items and find a campsite within walking distance of shops and restaurants. You will need to bring blankets, pillows, flashlights and a torch for nighttime adventures.
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Fishing - Fishing is a great activity for adults and children. Kids love fishing, and they learn how to bait the reel. Adults also enjoy sitting back and watching their kids catch dinner. Pick a lake, stream, or pond where you can fish for bass, trout or catfish.
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Kayaking is a great way to get a fresh perspective on nature. Kayaking is a great way to explore rivers or lakes. Keep an eye out for birds, turtles, and even whales during your excursion.
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Bird Watching is one of America's most beloved hobbies. It's easy for people to understand why. Find a local bird sanctuary or national park to visit. Enjoy looking for hawks, eagles or other feathered friends.
What length should I spend outside with my children?
Weather conditions affect how long you spend outdoors. Avoid exposing children to extreme heat and humidity.
Children should not be left unattended in direct sunlight, especially during hot weather. They should limit their outdoor time at most to 30 minutes.
You should not allow children to play outside in rainy weather longer than 15 minutes. If you must leave them unattended for longer, remember to bring extra water and snacks.
What can children do to help with gardening?
Two ways that children can help in gardening are:
They can teach you how to garden and give you advice on gardening.
You can even have your kids help you plant flowers, trees, and vegetables.
You might even ask them to help plant seeds when you find out which grows best in your area.
This is because kids love plants and learn quickly. Let them learn and help make your garden beautiful.
Statistics
- According to the Outdoor Foundation, about half the U.S. population participated in outdoor recreation at least once in 2018, including hunting, hiking, camping, fishing, and canoeing among many more outdoor activities. (activeoutdoors.info)
- According to The Outdoor Foundation's most recent report, over half of Americans (153.6 million people) participated in outdoor recreation at least once in 2019, totaling 10.9 billion outings. (wilderness.org)
- The U.S. outdoor recreation economy supports about 5.2 million jobs, generates nearly $788 billion in consumer spending, and accounts for 2.1 percent of GDP. (wilderness.org)
- So you're less likely to breathe in enough of the respiratory droplets containing the virus that causes COVID-19 to become infected if you haven't had a COVID-19 vaccine. (mayoclinic.org)
- A 2020 National Recreation and Park Association survey found that about 82 percent of people in the U.S. consider parks and recreation “essential.” (wilderness.org)
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How To
How To Get Started With Your Children On A New Adventure!
What is the best way to get your kids started on a new adventure together? Here are some suggestions to help your children get on the right path for a new adventure.
Start small. Do not try to change everything in one day. Instead, start small with one activity your kids enjoy. Continue to add new activities until you are comfortable enough.
It is important to start early. It is important to give your children plenty of practice before embarking on an extended trip. Do not wait to introduce them to new adventures.
Make it fun. It is important to remember that you want everyone to have fun when you take your children on a new journey. You need to find activities that are both enjoyable and appealing to your children.
Keep the focus on learning. Even though you may not think of yourself as a teacher every day, you are. Teaching your kids to cook over a fire is one way you can help them develop survival skills.
Make a note of everything. List the activities that you would like to do together before you go out in nature. This will help you get a clear picture of the activities you want to do on each outing.
You have many options to choose from when planning outdoor adventures with your children. These five ideas can help you choose the right activities for your next adventure.