Nature conservation in danger: Canadian goldenrod threatens Geith in Hamm

Nature conservation in danger: Canadian goldenrod threatens Geith in Hamm

threat from invasive plants in the nature reserve Geithe

In the nature reserve Geithe in Hamm, the nature faces a serious threat: the Canadian goldenrod, an invasive plant, spreads uncontrollably and endangers the ecological balance. Experts like Dieter Hickmann call for a quick action to protect the unique flora.

The role of invasive neophytes

The Canadian goldenrod is a plant that originally comes from North America and became popular in Germany in the 19th century. This type has the ability to spread massively and displace local plants. “Invasive neophytes” are species that cannot naturally appear in an area and can disrupt the ecosystem due to their aggressive spread. Hickmann, a landscape gardener and expert in this area, is particularly concerned about the spread of this plant in the Hammer West and the adjacent cities.

threat of rare species

In the direct connection with this development, survival of rare plant species, such as orchids that occur in the Geithe, stands. The goldenrod occupies habitats that are indispensable for these species. Hickmann warns: "If we do not act, we will only see gold rods on the clearings in a few years." The Geithe is considered one of the most valuable nature reserves in Hamm and is protected as a FFH area (Flora-Fauna-Habitat) under European law.

The reaction of the city of Hamm

Despite the alarming situation, the environmental office of the city of Hamm is hesitant. The area on which the gold rods thrive belongs to a private owner and is subject to a defined care plan. According to Detlef Burger, the spokesman for the environmental office, the next nursing campaign is not scheduled until the end of August. The city does not have the authority to prefer these measures, even if Hickmann urgently points out that this could be too late to stop the spread of the goldenrodes.

personal commitment and disappointment

Hickmann has already actively tried to hold back the invasive plant by cutting individual flowering copies back. But the environmental agency forbidden him to enter the reforestation area. "The area is not owned by the city, and it is completely fenced for a good reason," explains Burger. This leads to disappointment with Hickmann: "I have no interest in spending my pension with the stinging of goldenrodes. I want to see a nature that thrives."

The outlook on the future

The forecast for the nature reserve is not rosy. Hickmann believes that timely measures would be able to control the goldenrod. "You can't get rid of them completely, but you could pull them out if you intervene regularly," he explains. However, the city's spokesman is skeptical and emphasized that the goldenrod is now widespread and cannot be completely pushed back.

The discussion about this invasive plant offers an important insight into the challenges of nature conservation in urban areas. The need to preserve biodiversity and protect the native flora is more topical than ever. A quick action could not only preserve the Geithe, but also other protected areas from taking over by invasive species.