[APWG] invasive species in theme parks

[George R Kish]

On a recent trip to DisneyWorld's EPCOT, I observed at least 7 plants on
the FLEPPC category I exotic invasives list including a rather large mimosa
tree (Albizia julibrissin) and abundant Mexican petunia (Ruellia
tweediana). With EPCOT's focus on international themes, I wouldn't expect
much interest in Florida natives. However, the landscaping at the American
pavilion displays many native American plants.




George R. Kish
Hydrologist
U.S. Geological Survey
The University Center for Business
10500 University Center Drive, Suite 215
Tampa, Florida 33612

Telephone:     813-975-8620, extension 134
Fax:                    813-975-0839
Email:                gkish at usgs.gov

"Always look on the bright side of life."

  -  -  Monty Python from "Life of Brian"


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|         |           Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov   |
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|         |           APWG-bounces at lists.plantconse|
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|         |           06/14/2005 11:52 AM          |
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  |       To:       apwg at lists.plantconservation.org                                                                             |
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  |       Subject:  [APWG] invasive species in theme parks                                                                       |
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Here's a high profile way to focus on invasive problems - getting theme
parks to think native!

I came across the following article as I was doing research on the invasive
Australian tree fern, Cyathea cooperi.  I was floored by the plethora of
invasive species or relatives of invasives described in "Dino Island."  The
park is lauded as a botanical garden ("the best one in San Diego"!).  More
correctly, it appears to be a botanic garden to showcase invasives!  I'm
not certain when this piece was published, but are there any efforts to
conduct outreach with public fora such as this?

http://www.landscapeonline.com/research/article/4631







 Legoland: A Theme Park for Landscape Architects

 By Leslie McGuire, regional editor


   The entrance to Dino Island is lush with giant lily turf (Lirope [sic]
gigantean), Australian
 tree fern (Cyathea cooperi) and leopard plant (Ligularia tussilaginea)
with an under planting of
  Berkeley sedge (Carex tumicola) and Myers asparagus (Asparagus
densiflorus‘Myers’). A difficult
  issue with recycled water was that using traditional sprays meant that
salts would build up on
     the models. As it is, the models have to be continuously replaced
because of sun damage.


 Legoland, and its recently opened new attraction, Dino Island, may be fun
for kids, but it’s
 actually a theme park for landscape architects. True it has games, rides,
interactive learning
 opportunities and everything children love, however it’s really a
botanical garden—a park within
 a park—and the best one in San Diego.








Patricia S. De Angelis, Ph.D.
Botanist - Division of Scientific Authority
Chair - Plant Conservation Alliance - Medicinal Plant Working Group
US Fish & Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 750
Arlington, VA  22203
703-358-1708 x1753
FAX: 703-358-2276
Working for the conservation and sustainable use of our green natural
resources.
<www.nps.gov/plants/medicinal>_______________________________________________

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