Program on the Environment

The concept of invasive species is a highly prevalent framework for understanding plant species within the environmental field. But this framework reinforces harmful colonial understandings of the natural world as well as oversimplifying the nuanced identities of plants. The aim of this study was to find ways to add more nuance to our understanding of invasive species and to move our understanding of them away from colonial frameworks. Through an internship with the Collaborative for Socio-Ecological Engagement at Saint Edwards Park I created and implemented an invasive species removal plan. In the process of doing this I reflected on how my relationship with invasive species changed as I engaged critically with my work. I also conducted an independent literature review and survey of the other interns at my organization to get an understanding of the diverse perspectives around invasive species. From this I found a lack of understanding among other interns and the public on nuanced perspectives around invasive species. I also found that conducting invasive species management through a critical lens helps to instill a better relationship with the plants involved. These findings suggest that within environmental organizations more work should be done to look critically at understandings of invasive species and how to reframe the way we think about them. This should include centering local Indigenous understandings of these plants to inform management practices and exploring the role colonial frameworks have on how we think about invasive species.