November's EcoQuest Challenge is DANGEROUS DUO, focused on two of the most destructive invasive plants in our region.

Last month, seventy-five New Yorkers made 749 observations of four species of Sumac (Rhus). Those landscapes blessed with a grove of Sumacs were ablaze with fall color. The Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) were on fire this year. Wow. What a show. Why would anyone plant the invasive Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) when they could plant a native like Smooth Sumac? Hopefully we will see more and more of these plants left to flourish on their own and deliberately planted for their easy care, stunning fall displays and wildlife value.