We live in an imperfect world, surrounded by problems we often feel powerless to fix. Even when we look only at Brown County, we may think we can’t do much to make this a better place to live.

But I want to tell you about two people who are battling a serious local problem and are making Brown County a better place to live.

The problem we all face

Brown County is a beautiful place. Many of us live here precisely because we want to experience the trees, wildflowers and birds that surround us.

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But if you know what to look for, you can also see the local effects of invasive plants — Japanese stiltgrass, autumn olive, multiflora rose — that grow undeterred in their new surroundings and form a monoculture, the only thing alive in a given habitat.

The native plants we love, even native trees, can be choked out. The native insects that depend on these plants lose their food sources, as do the birds that feed on those insects.

Brown County is not alone. To get an idea of the national scope of the problem, check out “A big-picture view of the invasive plant problem nationwide,” a story posted on the Brown County Native Woodlands Project’s Facebook page.

In the face of that national invasion, it would be easy to look the other way. But two Brown Countians understand that a few dedicated individuals can play a huge role in turning back the problem.

The Brown County Public Library ravine

For nearly two decades, Donna Ormiston has overseen the transformation of the Brown County Public Library’s ravine east of the building. Once a tangle of non-native invasive plant species, this riparian woodland is now a habitat that supports our indigenous wildflowers, shrubs and trees.

Through Friends of the Library’s spring plant sale, Donna, as co-chairwoman, raised funds for professional assistance in the ravine and more recently, with the active support of Michael Fulton, president of “Friends,” enlisted landowners in the entire watershed to tackle their invasive species.

Mountain bike trails at Brown County State Park

Len Logterman helped build the renowned mountain bike trails in Brown County State Park. Though mountain bikers need to keep their eyes on the path, they also enjoy the park for its natural surroundings.

When Len learned in 2009 about the proliferation of Japanese stiltgrass along the trails, he began a one-man crusade to control stiltgrass there. He has added other invasive species in the park to his list of targets — multiflora rose, Japanese barberry, autumn olive, privet, vinca and Asian bush honeysuckle.

The next time you drive through the park, walk or ride the trails, you probably won’t see Len. But because of him you will see more native plants and fewer invasive plants. He is helping protect a natural treasure in Brown County and has made the park a better place for you.

Everyone can make a difference

Donna and Len’s dedication goes beyond the norm. But their efforts speak to all of us who care about the future of our public and private woodlands. Each of us can make a difference by taking care of a piece of the land we love.

Our actions may never eradicate invasive plants. But listen to what the USDA says happens when we target a small plot of earth: “Weeding out a small patch of an invasive plant may save neighbors and managers of local forests and parks many hours of work and could reduce other impacts on natural resources, including water and wildlife, as well as management costs.”

And here’s even better news: you don’t have to do it alone.

Brown County is home to the Brown County Native Woodlands Project, which provides an abundance of practical resources in slowing the spread of invasive species. And it builds our understanding about the flip side of the coin: the appreciation and nurturing of native plants.

Take advantage of what BCNWP offers.

• Visit its website, bcnwp.org, and its Facebook page.
• Call and request a free site survey to help identify the invasive species on your property (812-988-2211).
• Attend the 11th annual Nature Daze on Saturday, Sept. 9 at Camp Rancho Framasa from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. to learn more about invasive species, native plants and animals and tips for good property management. It’s free for adults and kids, lunch included. For registration details, check out our website (bcnwp.org).
• Become a BCNWP member and support our work. You’ll make a difference.

Ruth Ann Ingraham and David Boeyink are board members of the Brown County Native Woodlands Project.