In the interest of protecting natural ecosystems, some conservationists devote a considerable amount of time and energy to rid them of invasive species. Unfortunately, their well-meaning zealotry both eliminates a significant amount of photosynthetic activity (i.e. carbon capture) and, in many cases, introduces toxic agents into the environment.
While homeowners certainly have the right to control "weeds," invasive vines and other undesirable plants on their property, nature should be left alone in protected and recovering ecosystems. Furthermore, the use of toxic herbicides should be banned whenever and wherever possible.
In my experience, campaigns to eliminate non-native, invasive plants are rarely successful though some temporary emotional reward may be experienced by the warriors. Let nature be. We need all of the carbon capture that she can muster.
