Invading Forces Wayside

The “Invading Forces” wayside provides an overview of invasive species found at the park.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Brownsville, TX

Main Text 

Soldiers are not the only ones who have invaded this region. Foreign plants and animals also have occupied the site. Many of these newcomers threaten the survival of native plants and animals. Palo Alto Battlefield strives to combat unwanted invaders and control those that cannot be removed.

Sub Text 

Plant Plague 
Invasive plants come from two sources. Landscapers introduced ornamental species like Mother of Thousands. Ranchers experimented with fast-spreading grasses like King Ranch Bluestem. In both cases, the foreign plants compete with, and often overwhelm, native vegetation.

Asian Import 
The nilgai is one of Palo Alto’s most surprising residents. Ranchers imported this species of Asian antelope to South Texas to challenge the skills of hunters. Escaped member of these herds have found their way to Palo Alto.

Home Away From Home 
Invasive animals come from many continents. Africanized bees build hives in trees, Brazilian fire ants build mounds in the soil, and the European domestic pig has become a while presence in the brush and prairie.

Image Descriptions 

Background
Chaparral thicket

Center 
Adult male nilgai antelope

Bottom Left
King Ranch bluestem grass
Mother of thousands plant

Bottom Right
Fire ant
Adult feral pig