This reflection was written by former Midway resident and current FOMA board member, Heidi J. Auman, Ph.D.
When I lived on Midway (1993-2000), Verbesina enceliodes was already widespread. I recall the woody, sweltering, dense clusters it formed, creating sauna-like conditions that blocked the wind for ground nesting seabirds. Toward the end of my stay, I remember island residents encouraged to “adopt” a sector on Sand Island and pull out these invasive weeds during our free time. FWS’s one volunteer also spent part of their time weeding, particularly in the albatross reproductive plots. It was a hit-or-miss scheme, and weeds gradually overran the landscape.
I returned to Midway in 2007 as part of FOMA’s Pulling Together Initiative. Here, a hardy team of five people spent our days hand pulling Verbesina—backbreaking labor, although the scenery couldn’t be beat! We also propagated native flora in the greenhouse and out planted them into the newly-cleared areas. This was sweaty, honest toil, but I was grateful to volunteer in what we believed was a valiant effort to rid the atoll of Verbesina—why, just admire all that newly cleared habitat!
However, it turns out that hand-pulling and mowing of Verbesina was not effective at supressing its abundance. Even when used alongside the herbicide glyphosate, these efforts could not prevent weeds going to seed. Unfortunately, soil disturbance encourages germination of seeds in the seedbank. It wasn't until the pre-emergent herbicide, Milestone (Aminopyralid), was combined with herbicide treatment and physical removal of plants—especially the seedheads—that led to significantly reduce the abundance and coverage of Verbesina across Midway.
What are your memories of Verbesina on Midway?
Friends of Midway Atoll is asking for your help to ensure this work continues through November 2023. With the support of our members and donors, FOMA is well positioned to match an anonymous donor’s generous gift to ensure that the work of Midway’s program to completely eradicate this noxious weed continues towards its historic goal. Click below to contribute via our fundraiser on Facebook.
