This embankment next to the school illustrates well the invasive exotic concept. An invasive exotic species is one which did not occur naturally in a particular area until it was imported and planted by man. These species tend to out-grow and out-compete native vegetation and spread like wildfire. (Native species: one that has been growing and reproducing in a particular region for thousands of years, without the involvement of humans.)

The pictures show how dense and tangled the embankment had become, and how the area looks now, since being cleared. Of the 4 species listed above, Tree-of- Heaven, multiflora rose, and Japanese honeysuckle all qualify as invasive exotic species. The Tree-of-Heaven is notorious for its die-hard nature. It was brought into America in the late 1700's to be used as a tough city tree. Since then it has spread itself far and wide due to its abundant seed production. Without the use of toxic chemical herbicides, this embankment will return to its previous dense and tangled state within as little as 5 years.

Don't worry kids, by that time you'll be in high school and this embankment and the horrors of invasive exotic species will most likely be far from your thoughts.