Invasive plants, the largest threat to Yosemite’s native wildflowers, use up valuable resources and can eventually replace native plant populations, throwing entire ecosystems out of balance.

By disrupting ecosystems, invasive plants also can displace wildlife species that are dependent on native plants for food and shelter. Every year brings new invaders, with more than 200 non-native species covering more than 6,000 acres of valuable habitat.

In 2014, the Conservancy funded the expansion of the park’s survey and treatment efforts into the wilderness. Park staff and volunteer surveyed more than 740 miles of wilderness trails throughout the park, mapping and removing invasive plants such as bull thistle and velvet grass. Additionally, the spring of 2014 brought the release of a new app, CalFlora Observer Pro, which enables anyone with a smartphone to help with invasive plant mapping.

Your support helps protect Yosemite’s beautiful native wildflowers and preserve ecosystem health for future generations.

Partnering with Yosemite National Park.

Garrett Dickman

Biologist

Project Notes

Himalayan blackberry has displaced more than 100 acres of native vegetation in meadow and riparian areas with high plant and animal diversity. Yellow star thistle has displaced many native plants, reduced the food supply for wild animals  â€” the sharp spines stop hikers from even walking through it.