(Nan’s Note: Knowing how much I love the desert, John Peter Thompson, a friend and invasive expert, warned me of this potential disaster. I don’t think the general public realizes the negative effect of invasives on native species. Get involved in your area with a Native Plant Society to find out what you can do to help eradicate invasives.)
by Leo W. Banks
Local scientists say buffelgrass may be on an unstoppable march—and the saguaro is in its way
Buffelgrass is forcing us to think the unthinkable: A Sonoran Desert in which the saguaro cactus is no longer the master of the landscape.
Is this really possible? Could Arizona’s cherished icon vanish from a substantial portion of its range?
Actually, yes. The problem is fire.
Read the entire article at one of my favorite desert newspapers, The Tucson Weekly.
Check out John Peter Thompson’s informative blog about invasives. He has taught me a lot!
