[MAIPC] New Jersey Board Member Introduction

[Nathan Hartshorne]

Hi MAIPC,

I'm Nathan Hartshorne, your New Jersey representative, and this is my week
to introduce myself.  It was only a few years ago, before starting my
Masters of Environmental Studies at Penn, that I knew pretty much nothing
about invasive species.  Between courses there and working under the
mentorship of fellow MAIPCer, Dan Barringer, I delved into this major
problem.  Since graduation, I have worked in land management and wetland
restoration in every corner of the state of NJ.  A younger version of me
may have teased a couple exes who were Jersey girls, but I have since grown
and found there is much to enjoy in this state.  There are surprisingly
large tracts of parkland and wildly varying ecosystems.

I was reminded of something I have long been curious about when people were
talking about the honeysuckle chipping.  Autumn olive has a symbiosis with
nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its roots.  This has been one of the reasons
this invasive was promoted.  It can be a nursery plant to support Black
walnut or improve waste areas.  However, the nitrogen fixing can also
promote other invasives.  I have wondered if anyone noticed issues with
chipping it.  Presumably there would also be more nitrogen in the
above-ground portions that might be great for the rapid spread of colonies
of mugwort or other invasives.

I hope you're all enjoying this nice weather and sun,
Nathan
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