For the last 2 years, I've been a member of the Highlands Coalition for Nonnative Invasive Plant Management. We had a meeting today and I always like picking the brains of my cohorts that are experts in many areas- 2 from the Highlands Biological Station, for example. Discussing weather data, we:
Received 13" of rain, year to date. Our historical data suggests we should have had 21" to date.
They noted that Rhododendron in our area are really struggling during this drought. Specifically, the shallow rooted Rhodos that are growing on rock. There are many areas around Highlands where Rhododendron are beginning to show visual damage from the drought.
Fire ants are also becoming an issue in Highlands! There are several areas where treatment has been required.
