NPS / Raphaela Floreani Buzbee
Invasive plant species negatively affect park resources and visitor enjoyment by altering ecological processes, reducing native plant and animal habitat, blocking views, and increasing trail maintenance needs. Invasive species are the second greatest threat to global biodiversity, after habitat loss.
Given the extraordinary biodiversity of the San Francisco Bay Area and its urban development pressures, the San Francisco Bay Area Network (SFAN) parks serve as crucial habitat for native species. Over 100 rare plant species can be found in SFAN parks. Invasive plants threaten many of these rare species.
Discovering invasive plants before they become well-established is critical to reducing damage to ecosystem integrity, preventing the loss of habitat for rare plants and animals, and preventing costly natural resource management. Trails, roads, and waterways are the main routes of infestation of new exotic species. Monitoring these routes is the most effective way to prevent the spread of existing species and the infestation of new species.
The Invasive Plant Species Early Detection Program (ISED) monitors invasive plants in SFAN parks through partnerships between the National Park Service and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, Point Reyes National Seashore Association, and One Tam. Volunteers and students participate as well.
Seasonal Updates and Blogs
-
Botany NewsletterCheck out what the invasive plant monitoring and plant community monitoring teams have been up to.
-
Invasive Plant Survey ResultsExplore the Calflora Observation Hotline, where the latest monitoring records can be viewed in an interactive map.
-
Bay Area Parks Nature & Science BlogGet the latest updates on science and natural resources in and around Bay Area national parks.
Monitoring Documents
Source: Data Store Saved Search 1871. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
Source: Data Store Saved Search 1868. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
Source: Data Store Saved Search 1872. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
Source: Data Store Saved Search 3235. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
All Things Invasive Plant Monitoring
Last updated: February 7, 2025