Introduction

Invasive species are an extreme threat to ecosystem health, limiting biodiversity, increasing competition and habitat loss. The Madison Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI) has an expanding catalog of invasive wildlife & plants to better equip urban planning and development. Garlic Mustard, Alliaria petiolata and Stiltgrass, Microstegium vimineum are invasive species in New Jersey, reported within and surrounding Madison.

Stiltgrass

Image sourced from NY State IPM Program at Cornell University

Garlic Mustard

Image sourced from Katja Schulz

The map above shows Invasive Garlic Mustard and Stiltgrass reported in Madison, NJ.

Data

Reported findings of Garlic Mustard and Stiltgrass were collected through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility via iNaturalist, a database of wildlife findings curated by any member of the GBIF community.

Results

There have been 9 reported Garlic Mustard sightings and 5 reported Stiltgrass sightings in Madison Borough. Most of these sightings can be located in or around forests, on the west side of Madison.

It must be noted that the mapped data points are only representative of what has been reported by local users of iNaturalist. Therefore, the total density of either species cannot be determined by this given map.

Conclusion

This data serves to inform the public of the relative localities of Garlic Mustard and Stiltgrass within Madison and the surrounding region. Increasing awareness of locally reported invasive species is the first step in limiting their spread which will contribute to healthy and diverse ecosystems. Invasive species removal and regulation is necessary in affirming public health and safety for all, especially within urban environments. Actionable conservation efforts such as this contribute to the “recognition and respect” for all actors in a given environment, including its Indigenous communities (Franks).

About the Data

iNaturalist has an online community of members who utilize their shared forums to validate their findings and identity unknown species. This is accessible to the laity and field professionals of those interested in GBIF efforts and resources.

Stiltgrass
GBIF.org (18 September 2023) GBIF Occurrence Download https://doi.org/10.15468/dl.be6vx7

Garlic mustard
GBIF.org (18 September 2023) GBIF Occurrence Download https://doi.org/10.15468/dl.hnggma