NJ strike team targeting invasive species

A nice story in the The News of Cumberland County and NJ.com this morning about the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team. The Strike Team (which always makes me think of Vic Mackey, for fans of “The Shield“) “uses scientifically based early detection and rapid response protocols to find and destroy new populations of invasive plants, animals and pathogens that threaten New Jersey’s diverse natural acreage,” and is looking to expand its work in New Jersey.

The Invasive Species strike team caught my eye, in my other gig as producer of WHYY’s Radio Times, when I was looking for a local component for a show I was putting together about people using their diets to help the environment, specifically by eating species we don’t want (invasive species) and eating species we do want (like the Delaware Bay oysters that are helping to restore the health of the local watershed).

Marty had a great interview (the middle segment, if you’re listening) with Melissa Almendinger, the NJ Invasive Species Strike Team‘s executive director, about which of the native plants and weeds they pick can be eaten, and some nice recipes for doing so. So, next time you’re picking weeds, you might be tempted to taste, but be sure to look up whether you’re munching on the beginnings of a dandelion salad or something much more dangerous and poisonous!