Fowl Meadow Purple Loosestrife Biological Control Project

The Fowl Meadow Purple Loosestrife Biological Control Project is a five-year collaborative wetland restoration project in the Neponset River Watershed, Massachusetts. The project uses Galerucella calmariensis and G. pusilla beetles and larvae as a biological control agent to control and reduce the presence of exotic, invasive Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) in the Fowl Meadow wetlands and surrounding area. Volunteers were recruited from local residents, schools, members and staff at local environmental groups, etc. Significant effects on Purple loosestrife populations have been observed in the third year of the project, along with various community education and volunteer opportunities.