Participation: Phragmites

The common reed (Phragmites australis) is one of the most destructive invasive species in New England. In this satellite image of Baileys Creek in Cohasset, you can easily see the destruction that phragmites are causing, looking like a brown disease eating away at the green cordgrass along the bank. Unlike cordgrass, which provides a home for numerous species of insects, reptiles, crustaceans and fish, the reeds form thick strands that are almost impenetrable for animals to walk though.