Acadia National Park Has Fewer Invasive Plants Compared to Other Eastern National Parks

A new study led by Kathryn Miller, University of Maine alumna and quantitative ecologist for the National Park Services’ Northeast Temperate Network, revealed that invasive species are widespread and increasing in the Eastern national parks. The most common invasives, Japanese stiltgrass, multiflora rose and Japanese honeysuckle were found in 75 percent of the parks sampled. Garlic mustard was identified in nearly all study sites. The researchers identified stiltgrass and invasive shrubs as the most urgent threats in Eastern national parks. Acadia National Park, however, was the least invaded park in the study.