Welcome to the Newtown Knotweed Initiative website
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Our mission is to combat the spread of Japanese knotweed and other invasive species so that ecological balance can be restored in our neighborhoods, open spaces and community. We maintain demonstration sites and gather scientific data. In addition, we partner with government and community agencies to educate, raise awareness and facilitate events. |
We are a small community coalition of Newtown residents who seek to raise awareness among area residents, gardeners and property owners, as well as town employees, of the damaging impact of Japanese knotweed. We hope you'll use this website as a resource when seeking guidance and recommendations for controlling Japanese knotweed.
Japanese knotweed was first introduced to North America as an ornamental plant in the late 1800s. It pushes out native plants, resulting in reduced species diversity and altered ecosystems. Japanese knotweed overtakes stream banks and other valuable natural resources, rapidly colonizing surrounding areas and creating a monoculture that out-competes native plant communities, reduces water quality and impedes motorist sight lines along our roadways. Today, Japanese knotweed is well established in Newtown and can be seen at many cherished Newtown parks and open space, including Fairfield Hills, Dickinson Park, the banks of the Pootatuck River and elsewhere. It also threatens private property. |
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Click on the Newtown Bee image at left to read our interview with Hannah Hudson, a known authority on Japanese knotweed and the founder of the Worldwide Japanese Knotweed Support Group. |
