What have we learned?
How well the city’s approach has worked so far is not yet public, but we
can draw some conclusions for Giant Hogweed and Common Ragweed from the GIS
Data. While the dataset is not perfect the number of reported
sightings has decreased drastically in the last few years. If what GSZ has told us is true, then Giant Hogweed has been eradicated on
public land. Common Ragweed had been almost eliminated from public land but reemerged
at three spots, which are closely monitored and managed. The city’s
efforts seem to be very effective, at least for these neophytes, which means
that people need not fear their wrath overmuch. It is therefore unlikely for a
person to be injured by these plants in public areas, doubly so if they are vigilant and have
informed themselves about our botanical adversaries.
Call to Action - the "InvasivApp"
These findings give us hope that the battle against the leafy invaders is not yet lost. But the fight is easier together. If you want to contribute to riding Zurich of these plants, InfoFlora has developed a tool you might want to use. The "InvasivApp" lets you report sightings of Giant Hogweed and Common Ragweed, and many other neophytes, to the authorites, equipping them to better battle against invasive species. Download the "InvasivApp" here:
