Group

Knotweed

Research Questions: What are the impacts of knotweed on our ecosystems? How do knotweed populations compare across our region? Are knotweed populations changing over time and in relation to climate change? How can we manage knotweed populations?

Why this matters

Invasive knotweed is disrupting ecosystems across the Gulf of Maine watershed. We need more data to understand how knotweed populations are changing so that we can find ways to control it.

Season

Fall

Knotweed

Knotweed is an aggressive invasive plant. It spreads rapidly and grows in large, dense patches. It can crowd out native species, erode river banks, and cause damage to homes and buildings with its powerful root systems. Despite the widespread damage it has caused, little research has been done on knotweed. More information is needed to help us understand how knotweed is interacting with our local ecosystems and how it might respond to climate change. We need your help.

Learn more:

  • How can your data help with stopping the spread of knotweed? Hear from our project leader, Stacy Endriss in this video
  • Explore the data collected through this project
  • Find curriculum to support student learning through participation in this project on the Gulf of Maine Research Institute's Learning Resource Hub.