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	Purple loosestrife volunteer Can Bingol holds a seed trap along the Porsuk River, Eskisehir, Turkey. The light gap behind him shows purple loosestrife in the center of the gap but because the photo was taken in the spring, the plants do not yet have their distinctive purple flowers.

Purple Loosestrife Volunteers

People living at many latitudes in North America, Eurasia, and Australia are volunteering to help assess purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) in their regions. The program is part of Dr. Beth Middleton's project to compare the role of purple loosestrife in its native and invasive habitats. Purple loosestrife is native to Eurasia but invaded northern North America after accidental introduction in the 1800s. This species may be reducing the value of infested wetlands for wildlife, although this claim is debated.

The results of the study will help in efforts to control and predict the future spread of this species.

Growing numbers of people are volunteering to help in Australia, Canada, Turkey, and the United States. Click here for a list of current volunteers.
For height data already collected by volunteers, click here.

The data measurements include documenting details about your site location, measuring the height and numbers of loosestrife, and making a few environmental observations. Instructions and data forms

For more information about invasive plant species in North America that are native to Turkey, click here.

NOTE: Some or all of the publications on this page are presented in Portable Document Format (PDF); the latest version of Adobe Reader or similar software is required to view them. Download the latest version of Adobe Reader, free of charge.

If you would like to become involved in the project, please contact:
Beth Middleton
USGS National Wetlands Research Center
700 Cajundome Blvd.
Lafayette, LA 70506
beth_middleton@usgs.gov

Note: Be sure to secure permission for access prior to entering private land!