Things to remember about invasive plants:

If using Oriental Bittersweet for decorations, use it only inside and after use dispose of it in the trash.

Good time to remove Japanese barberry as it’s easy to spot with its prickly stems. It harbors mice which are a vector for ticks. Best to rid your property of as much of it as you can.

Japanese Knot Weed can be found at this time of year and note where it is. It can then be rid of in the spring.

Things to note for creating a wildlife-friendly backyard:

Food: Native plants provide food eaten by a variety of wildlife. Feeders can supplement natural food sources.

Water: All animals need water to survive, and some need it for bathing or breeding as well.

Cover: Wildlife needs places to take shelter from bad weather, and to hide from predators or to hunt for prey.

Places to Raise Young: Wildlife needs resources to reproduce and to protect and nourish their young.

Sustainable practices should be put into place. Maintain your yard or garden in natural ways to ensure soil, air, and water stay healthy and clean. More information at the National Wildlife, nwf.org/gardenforwildlife

Marcia Kilpatrick