PARENT SESSION
Oral Session #1: Invasive Species Control.
Presiding: S. Smith
Monday, August 5. 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Mohave Meeting Room, TCC.
Impact of an invasive shrub (Rhamnus cathartica L.) on some ecosystem properties of urban woodlands in Chicago, Illinois.
HENEGHAN, LIAM*,1, RAUSCHENBERG, CARLTON1, FATEMI, FARRAH1, BERNAU, BRAD1, WORKMAN, MARGARET1, 1 DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
ABSTRACT- The proliferation of invasive species and their effects on local diversity has emerged as a priority issue in ecological conservation. Although the majority of invasive species remain minor components of the invaded assemblages, some become dominant members, and may as a consequence substantially modify both the composition and the function of ecosystems. Though many invasive species may have effects on ecosystem function, seldom are indirect effects quantified. Information pertaining to alterations in ecosystem processes is particularly useful when such changes may influence the subsequent restoration success. We have studied the impact of Rhamnus cathartica (Common Buckthorn) on soils in urban woodlands in Chicago, IL. R. cathartica has spread widely in the northern half of Illinois, and has come to dominate many oak woodlands in the vicinity of Chicago. Litter of R. cathartica is high in nitrogen, decomposes rapidly, and enriches the upper soil horizons with nitrogen. In addition we have shown that buckthorn invasion results in shifts in microbial communities, and in modified arthropod diversity in woodlands where it is established. We will discuss the implications of these finding of substantial legacy effect for restoration practice in Chicago.
KEY WORDS: Invasive species, Rhamnus cathartica, Nitrogen, urban woodlands