Ran across an interesting paper - the use of #DNA sequencing to show that an #invasive insect species in Japan (Chaoborus punctipennis, a phantom #midge) originated in North America. #entomology
https://www.reabic.net/journals/bir/2023/1/BIR_2023_Salmela_etal.pdf
An unstoppable #mushroom is tearing through North American forests. #Fungi enthusiasts are doing damage control
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260325-an-unstoppable-mushroom-is-tearing-through-north-american-forests #science #biology #ecology #mycology #invasive #forest #GoldenOyster
Cached US #KindleBookGiveaway: 10 copies of @chuckwendig.bsky.social's Invasive, written when he was fascinated with ants and not apples. This book read similarly to an X-Files episode, albeit with nigh-plausible science. I liked it! It's tied to Zeroes as well, but not as a sequel or prequel.
Herd for Hire: About 300 #Goats Employed to Help #CheyenneWY Clear Overgrown Vegetation
by Alex Hill, Jun 11, 2025
"For over a decade, the City of Cheyenne has employed goat herds to manage overgrown vegetation. This approach has proven both effective and cost-efficient.
"In 2025, the city awarded the vegetation management contract to Goats on the Go, Boulder, a division of Olson Outdoors based in Broomfield, Colorado.
"Lauren Patrie, owner and partner of Goats on the Go, Boulder, explained, 'So we're up here for 25 days. And basically what we do is we just move the goats around wherever there's a need.'
"The primary objective, like every year, is to clear #invasive species and overgrown vegetation obstructing two of Cheyenne’s floodways. These plants not only impede water flow but also disrupt local #ecosystems.
"Patrie further elaborated, 'The city of Cheyenne brought us out here to bring a big herd of about 300 goats to clean up overgrown vegetation and invasive weeds along the greenway.'
"The goats' grazing habits offer several #environmental benefits. Patrie noted, 'Goats are super agile and light on their feet, so less chance of erosion that you might have with heavy equipment.' Additionally, 'We're not using gas-powered or anything that has chemicals, toxic emissions. They're still and aerate the soil. Makes it easier for nutrients and water to absorb into the soil. Healthier for native grasses to regrow. And their digestive process renders the seeds of #InvasivePlants useless so they can no longer grow in the future.' [I did not know this!]
"Despite this decade-long practice, 2025 marked the first time the city hosted a public event to introduce the goats. The 'Meet and Bleat' event featured a petting zoo-style area, allowing citizens to interact closely with the herd. Both the city and Goats on the Go aimed to spotlight the hardworking goats and foster community engagement."
#SolarPunkSunday #Wyoming #GoatGoals #YardGoats #LawnGoats #GoatsForHire #Goatscaping #MeetAndBleat #InvasiveSpecies #NoHerbicides
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