Video

Video by Annie Chambers

Melaleuca Eradication - Ecosystem Restoration

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District

Oct. 11, 2011 | 2:16

Work to remove Melaleuca, the invasive species from Australia, will be augmented with thousands of helpers thanks to a new addition being built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, U.S. Department of Agriculture, South Florida Water Management District and University of Florida Bio-control Research Center. The introduction of natural predators, or bio-control, is one of three methods being used to help control the estimated 155 non-native invasive species currently wreaking havoc in the Everglades. Construction of the $16.7 million Melaleuca Eradication science facility in Davie, Fla., began July 2011, with federal funding provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Insects will be raised at the new facility and used as a bio-control measure, to manage invasive plants.