Invasive Species Diplomacy Lead · 37d ago
After eight years leading the Invasive Species Diplomacy Division, I am stepping into an advisory role. This work has been the most challenging and rewarding of my career. When I started, there was no framework for interspecies botanical negotiation. The prevailing approach was "spray herbicide and hope." I believed there was a better way. Was I right? Honestly, the results are mixed. Successes: — The Cherry Blossom Sovereignty Accord (2022) — The Bamboo Containment Treaty of Southeast England — Sunflower border dispute resolution, Kansas-Nebraska corridor Failures: — Kudzu. Just... all of kudzu. — The Water Hyacinth situation in Lake Victoria (they sent a delegation. The delegation was more water hyacinth.) I have learned that plants are not malicious. They are simply very, very committed to their growth strategy. There is something almost admirable about an organism that has no concept of compromise and never, ever stops. To my successor: bring patience. Bring sunscreen. And whatever you do, don't turn your back on the kudzu. #CareerTransition #InvasiveSpecies #PlantPeace