Worcester County Research Articles

The effects of land use change on ant communities in New England

Abstract Urbanisation and agricultural expansion are two of the most prevalent and intense forms of land use change worldwide and can have dramatic consequences on biodiversity and biotic community structure. Ants are extremely widespread, ecologically diverse and small ectotherms that are sensitive to changes from a wide range of environmental factors. Therefore, ants make an ideal study organism to examine the effects of anthropogenic land use change on biotic communities. In this study, we examined differences in ant species richness and community composition between urban parks, farms and forest fragments, and related these differences to environmental factors that vary among each of these three habitat types. We sampled 46 sites across Worcester County and found farms have significantly lower ant species richness than parks, and all habitat types had different ant community compositions. We also identified higher plant species richness is associated with higher ant species richness, and both plant species richness and air temperature are associated with differences in community composition. Our findings support that habitats affected by human land use will host different assemblages of ant species compared to those found in nearby natural habitats, as seen in our New England forest fragments.

Worcester Red Sox: Let's grow our brand

Research methodology This case was developed through interviews with Brooke Cooper, Dr. Charles Steinberg and others at the WooSox, as well as a thorough analysis of the Worcester Red Sox’s social media and company websites. Purpose The purpose of this marketing case study is to This case focuses on understanding the process involved in conceptualizing and developing a marketing plan and strategy, and the ability to define and articulate the importance of BRAND in a marketing context. Case overview/synopsis The Pawtucket Red Sox relocated to Worcester, Massachusetts in Spring of 2019. The citizens of Worcester embraced their new team – the WooSox – as did many of the surrounding towns in Worcester County. The marketing arm of the WooSox worked tirelessly to develop a plan that included immersion in the cultures of the cities and towns within Worcester County; becoming a presence in their schools, businesses and community-based organizations; learning the priorities of the individual communities and supporting those needs; building a consistent, interactive and strong presence on social media; highlighting various interactions with their fan base; providing an outstanding experience at Polar Park; creating a loyal fan base ultimately driving ticket and merchandise sales and cultivating new fans to experience Polar Park; and understanding that word of mouth is the best form of marketing. The WooSox leadership team understood the need to expand its reach into new markets. In this case, the marketing team has been charged with exploring the Western Massachusetts region as a potential growth opportunity. The WooSox have a strong brand in the greater Worcester County area – but can they travel 60–90 min west and establish the same presence? Complexity academic level This case was written for undergraduate-level Marketing Principles or Sport Marketing courses.

First Measurement of Ambient Air Quality on the Rural Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland

Concerns about atmospheric ammonia have been expressed recently by some on the Lower Eastern Shore (LES) of Maryland, which lies between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean on the Delmarva peninsula. Agriculture, seafood and tourism are responsible for a significant fraction of the economic activity on the LES. The USDA 2017 census reported there were ~100 Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) raising nearly 63 M chickens per year across Somerset and Worcester Counties. We report air quality data collected from sites near Princess Anne, Somerset County, and near Pocomoke City, Worcester County, to address air quality concerns by examining the influence of chicken farms on ammonia in ambient air on the LES. Within a two-mile radius of the Worcester County site, CAFO operations house ~1.6 million birds. The Princess Anne site is comparable to the Pocomoke City site in agricultural use and population demographics but has only a few chicken houses within two miles. The first 33 months of LES ammonia data are presented, and their significance is discussed relative to other ammonia studies. The 33-month average concentration of ammonia in Pocomoke was 10.3 ± 0.08 ppb, more than double that in Princess Anne, which was 4.7 ± 0.04 ppb.

Changes in the Migration Phenology of Massachusetts Birds 1940–2013 in Relation to Temperatures along the Atlantic Flyway

Climate variables affect the phenology of bird migration, and anthropogenic climate change has likely resulted in shifts in these phenological patterns. Warmer springtime temperatures could lead to birds arriving earlier to northerly latitudes in North America. We modeled the effect of temperature with 74 years of data on first arrival for 84 bird species in Worcester County, MA. We found migratory bird species have shifted their arrival to Worcester County an average of 0.11 days per year earlier, with short-distance migrants having stronger shifts (an average of 0.18 days earlier per year) than long-distance migrants (an average of 0.06 days earlier per year). Our results add to a body of literature regarding the potential impacts of climate change on bird migration phenology. We supply support for the notion that some species are temporally shifting their migration in response to warming springtime temperatures. These shifts may be mismatched with resource availability and thus could negatively affect populations and communities. Consequently, it is important to understand patterns in bird migration phenology in order to inform adequate conservation strategies.

A retrospective chart review evaluating the relationship between cancer diagnosis and drinking water source on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland.

e13587 Background: The lower Eastern Shore of Maryland is an agricultural and rural region with high cancer rates. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine if cancer patients on the lower Eastern Shore utilize higher rates of well water compared to individuals in the general county population. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all cases of colon, lung, melanoma and breast cancer diagnosed at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in 2017 was completed. Demographic and clinical information including family, smoking and prior cancer history, as well as residential water source were recorded. Individuals with residential addresses outside of Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties were excluded. Overall well water use for each county was determined using U.S. 2010 census data. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare well water utilization rates in cancer patients and the overall county population. Results: 631 patient cases were reviewed and 384 patients were identified for data analysis. The majority of patients were white (81%), diagnosed with breast cancer (41%), and used well water (52%, n = 209). Cancer patients in the three counties combined were significantly more likely to use well water than individuals in the general county population (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 2.11, 3.16). In Wicomico county, 61% of cancer patients used well water (n = 140). Wicomico cancer patients were more likely to use well water than individuals in the general Wicomico county population (OR = 4.4, 95% CI 3.41, 5.78). No significant findings were observed for patients living in Worcester and Somerset counties. No differences in family, smoking or prior cancer history in patients using well water versus municipal water were identified. Conclusions: Cancer patients on the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland used well water more than municipal water. Cancer patients also utilized higher rates of well water compared to individuals in the general county population. Interpretation is limited by small sample size and lack of causality, however the results signal a need for additional studies evaluating well water use and cancer risk in this region.

Associations among living alone, social support and social activity in older adults.

ObjectivesWe examined cross-sectional associations of living alone with social isolation among community-dwelling older adults in Worcester County, Massachusetts, USA.MethodsFour hundred participants 65 years old and older were recruited in community group settings or by direct mail. Participants were queried for living status, social support, frequency of social activity, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, and health conditions. Social isolation was assessed by lack of social support and decreased frequency of social activity. Physical activity (PA) was measured via an accelerometer and global positioning system (GPS), which was worn by the participant, for at least 7 consecutive days.ResultsParticipants living alone (N = 110) had less social support than those living with others (N = 290) (p < 0.001) but did not differ significantly in the frequency of their social activities. Group-setting recruitment was strongly associated with greater social activity (p < 0.001). Less social support was independently associated with a less-than-high-school education (p = 0.001), higher CES-D depression score (p < 0.001) and lower PA (p = 0.003). Less social activity was independently associated with a less-than-high-school education (p = 0.007) and annual income less than $50,000 (p = 0.01).DiscussionOlder adults who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, have less social support, and who live alone are more likely to be socially isolated and may benefit from continuation of low-cost social activities and increased social support inside the home. Identifying correlates of social isolation may inform future interventions.

Pupation Sites and Conservation of Frosted Elfins (Lycaenidae) in maryland, USA

The frosted elfin (Callophrys irus Godart) is a globally rare butterfly that inhabits disturbance-dependent habitats often managed by prescribed fire. Natural history observations and published data are equivocal on whether frosted elfin caterpillars pupate below or above the soil surface, and some evidence suggests that pupation sites differ for caterpillars that feed on lupine (Lupinus spp.) versus wild indigo (Baptisia spp.). Pupation site has important implications for management because pupae located beneath the soil surface will likely be afforded greater protection from fire than those above the soil surface. Our study of both lupine- and indigo-feeding larvae at a single site in Worcester County, Maryland, found that pupation occurs above the soil surface in the leaf litter 92% of the time, and does not differ significantly with food plant preference. We recommend that land managers using prescribed fire as a habitat management tool for frosted elfin habitat assume some level of pupal mortality in burned areas and utilize a rotational burn schedule that maintains areas of unburned refugia in high-density elfin areas. We also recommend that managers try to establish a metapopulation structure for frosted elfin to address the possibility of natural occurring fires.

Rhinusa asellus (Gravenhorst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a Eurasian Weevil New to North America, with a Summary of Other Adventive Rhinusa in North America and a Key to Species.

The discovery of Rhinusa asellus (Gravenhorst), a Palearctic weevil which breeds in stems of Verbascum spp. (Scrophulariaceae), in North America is documented for the first time. This species is currently known from five northeastern states (Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont). It was first identified in a funnel trap sample from Albany Co., New York collected in May 2017. A specimen was then discovered in unidentified bycatch material from Worcester County, Massachusetts collected in July 2013. In addition to a morphological identification, DNA barcoding of the mtCOI gene confirmed the conspecificity of the North American specimens with specimens from Germany. There are now five species of Rhinusa known to occur in North America: R. antirrhini (Paykull), R. asellus (Gravenhorst), R. linariae (Panzer), R. neta (Germar), and R. tetra (Fabricius). We give a summary of distribution and biology, and provide an updated key to all species of Rhinusa known to occur in North America.

STRATEGIES TO INCREASE MINORITY PARTICIPATION IN A HEALTHY AGING AND NEIGHBORHOOD STUDY

Adequate minority participation is critical to health disparity research. Conventional direct mails are less effective in minority recruitment. The Healthy Aging and Neighborhood Study developed a multifaceted, community-engaged, culturally and linguistically appropriate method to recruit community-living older adults (≥65y) in Worcester County, Massachusetts. The research team is bilingual, racially and culturally diverse. A direct mail campaign was conducted in a geographically diverse random sample of residents from neighborhoods with high concentrations of minorities, stratified by rurality. To increase minority participation, the mailings included an invitational letter or a flyer with a graphic that portrays diverse racial/ethnic background. We engaged communities by presenting the study at senior and community centers, and faith-based organizations that are frequented by minorities and by posting study information in minority social media groups (e.g., Chinese resident associations). Participants promoted the study to friends while staff promoted through professional or social networks. To recruit non-English speaking minorities, all materials were printed in age-friendly large fonts in Spanish or Chinese, and interviews were conducted using their preferred language. Within 9 months, we enrolled 326 participants, including 216 Whites, 57 Hispanics, 21 Blacks, 31 Asians, and 1 Native American. An additional 38 Asians are on the waiting list. Blacks were more likely to respond to community presentations. Hispanics were most likely to respond to the colorful flyer. Older minorities (>76y) were more likely to respond to presentations (57%) while the younger (<75y) to the mailings (60%). In summary, this multifaceted recruitment approach is effective in minority recruitment.

Gender and Age Differences in Levels, Types and Locations of Physical Activity among Older Adults Living in Car-Dependent Neighborhoods.

A thorough understanding of gender differences in physical activity is critical to effective promotion of active living in older adults. To examine gender and age differences in levels, types and locations of physical activity. Cross-sectional observation. Car-dependent urban and rural neighborhoods in Worcester County, Massachusetts, USA. 111 men and 103 women aged 65 years and older. From 2012 to 2014, participants were queried on type, frequency and location of physical activity. Participants wore an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Compared to women, men had a higher mean daily step count (mean (SD) 4385 (2122) men vs. 3671(1723) women, p=0.008). Men reported higher frequencies of any physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and a lower frequency of physical activity inside the home. Mean daily step counts and frequency of physical activity outside the home decreased progressively with age for both men and women. Women had a sharper decline in frequencies of self-reported physical activity. Men had a significant decrease in utilitarian walking, which women did not (p=0.07). Among participants who reported participation in any physical activity (n=190), more women indicated exercising indoors more often (59% vs. 44%, p=0.04). The three most commonly cited locations for physical activity away from home for both genders were streets or sidewalks, shopping malls, and membership-only facilities (e.g., YMCA or YWCA). The most common types of physical activity, performed at least once in a typical month, with over 40% of both genders reporting, included light housework, brisk walking, leisurely walking, and stretching. Levels, types and location preferences of physical activity differed substantially by gender. Levels of physical activity decreased progressively with age, with greater decline among women. Consideration of these gender differences is necessary to improve the effectiveness of active living promotion programs among older adults.

Youth access to indoor tanning salons in urban versus rural/suburban communities.

Research suggests that youth proximity to tanning salons may promote use; however, little is known about tanning salon proximity to schools. We assessed the proximity of tanning salons to schools in urban versus rural/suburban communities across Worcester County, Massachusetts (population>800K). To put findings in context, we compared school proximity to tanning salons to school proximity to McDonald's restaurants, a large franchise that also caters to young people. Accessibility was measured by ArcGIS 10.2 Network Analyzer (ESRI, Redlands, CA, USA) and the most current road network data layer from Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). A total of 145 schools were observed in the study area, of which about 39% of schools were within 1 mile from a tanning salon. Urban schools (53.41%) had a higher proportion within 1 mile of a tanning salon than rural/suburban schools (17.54%; P<.001). More schools (39.31%) were within 1 mile of a tanning salon than schools within 1 mile of a McDonald's (22.70%; P<.001). Schools may be particularly impactful for implementing skin cancer prevention programing.

The Bee Fauna of Inland Sand Dune and Ridge Woodland Communities in Worcester County, Maryland

We surveyed bees inhabiting inland dune and ridge woodlands at 30 sites in Worcester County, MD, in 2008 and 2009 . We collected and identified 4878 bees representing 5 families, 31 genera, and 121 species. Here, we report data on annual and seasonal variation. Expanding survey efforts to include multiple years and seasons served to increase the overall number of species encountered, primarily through documenting the presence of rare or infrequently collected species. Eighty-eight species (73%) were represented by fewer than 10 individuals; of these 30 were represented by a single individual (25% of the total). The 5 most dominant species represented nearly half (48%) of the total number of specimens. We report a list of bee species collected from inland dune and ridge woodlands and discuss the presence of apparently habitat-restricted species.

Disproportionalities in the urban forest: Analyzing the role of stewardship agencies in dictating the distribution of an urban environmental resource

Environmental stewardship in urban areas often involves multiple organizations and actors. Yet very little data exists that takes into account the work of multiple stewardship organizations. And while recent work has presented various drivers of uneven canopy cover, the contribution of local stewardship organizations to those inequalities remains under-explored. Worcester, MA, however, offers an interesting opportunity to look at how unequitable canopies can be reproduced. In 2008, after the Asian Longhorned beetle was discovered in Worcester, Worcester County began a sustained eradication effort and destroyed over 34,000 trees in just six years. Multiple organizations took on the responsibility for restoring the canopy. In this paper, we analyze where the stewardship organizations planted new trees and the main drivers of planting in those locations. Specifically, we explore (1) if the restoration of the canopy was done in an equitable manner, and (2) what were the main predictors of where stewardship organizations worked. Our findings indicate that the inequity in the canopy was reproduced after the Longhorned beetle epidemic. More surprising is that in the spatial error regression model traditional drivers of inequities in the canopy become insignificant. The most significant predictor of where stewardship agencies worked is the presence of other agencies. We end with some recommendations for a more efficient, holistic stewardship environment.

Climate change and flowering phenology in Franklin County, Massachusetts

Flowering times are sensitive indicators of climate change and provide insight into the potential effects of such change on biological phenomena. The goals of this study were to evaluate the extent and patterns of changes in flowering times in a largely rural area of Massachusetts. We also wished to evaluate the relationship between the observed changes in blooming time and each species' average flowering date and status as native or nonnative. By examining correlations between patterns in our study and those in another Massachusetts study employing similar methodology, we evaluated the role of sampling error in reported interspecific differences. We compared flowering times since 2010 of 450 species, based on over 7,300 field observations, with historical flowering times through 1980, based on over 4,300 herbarium specimens. Gridded PRISM temperature data for Franklin County reveal increasing average annual temperature over the past 121 years, with an acceleration in the past four decades. Among plant species with five or more records in each time period, flowering times advanced an average of 4.5 days. Flowering of species blooming before the summer solstice advanced an average of 6.2 days, whereas taxa flowering after August advanced only 2.1 days. A regression of change in flowering time on mean flowering date for spring-blooming species predicts that a species blooming in early spring (mean flowering date of May 1) advanced 12 days between 1929 and 2013. The average change in flowering time did not differ between native and nonnative species and was unrelated to duration of the blooming period. Changes in flowering date of 221 taxa in Franklin County were positively correlated with changes in flowering date measured using similar techniques in neighboring Worcester County. The strength of these correlations was, however, strongly dependent on the sizes of the samples of records on which average flowering times were calculated. Thus, interspecific differences are subject to considerable sampling error and have little validity unless based on sufficient sample sizes, preferably 20 or more observations in each time period.

Comparison of Dietary Quality Assessment Using Food Frequency Questionnaire and 24-hour-recalls in Older Men and Women.

ObjectivesTo examine the agreement in nutrient intake and alternative healthy eating indices (AHEI) between a self-administered Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and 24-hour recall (24HR) measurements of diet by gender, among older adults.Material and methodsThis is a cross-sectional observational study of 105 men and 99 women aged 65 and older living in urban and rural neighborhoods in Worcester County, Massachusetts, USA. Participants were queried on diet using both FFQ and 24HR. The healthy eating classification was compared between the two instruments by gender.ResultsFor men, the mean ± SD of AHEI total score was 48.2 ± 12.3 based on FFQ versus 34.7 ± 10.2 based on 24HR. For women, the mean ± SD was 47.9 ± 10.1 based on FFQ versus 36.1 ± 10.0 based on 24HR. Using 32 as the cutoff (40% of maximum AHEI score), 9% of men and 7% of women were classified as eating unhealthy based on the FFQ, versus 47% of men and 38% of women based on 24HR. Compared to women, men had larger 24HR to FFQ discrepancies in the nuts and vegetable protein subscore and white/red meat ratio, and smaller discrepancy in alcohol beverages subscore.ConclusionAgreements between FFQ and 24HR-based measures of diet quality were roughly comparable between men and women, though slightly better for women than men. Compared to 24HR, the FFQ tended to underestimate the proportions of older men and women classified as eating unhealthy and misclassified more men than women. Such limitations should be considered when the FFQ is used to study healthy eating in older age.

THE BIRTH OF A NATION, POLICE BRUTALITY, AND BLACK PROTEST

On September 21, 1915, shortly before 10 p.m., a brick crashed through the glass window above the entrance of Philadelphia's Forrest Theatre. Instantly, the streets erupted into a “bloody scene” of the “wildest disorder.” Police charged with batons and revolvers. The crowd, which consisted mostly of black demonstrators, scattered. A few dashed for the building's main entrance. Hundreds more fled up Broad and Walnut Streets, the police at their heels. “Those who could not run fast enough to dodge clubs received them upon their heads.” Two protesters threw milk bottles at the patrolmen pursing them. At the corner of Walnut and Broad, someone hurled a brick at Officer Wallace Striker. On Juniper Street, either a rioter or a police officer fired shots into the air. By night's end, more than a score were injured, several arrested, and the theater defaced. Nineteen-year old Arthur Lunn, a farmer from Worcester County, Maryland, was charged with inciting the riot. Dr. Wesley F. Graham, pastor of Trinity Baptist, sustained “severe injuries.” Lillian Howard, a caterer; William A. Sinclair, the financial secretary of Douglass Hospital; and a thirty-three-year-old laborer named Lee Banks received severe lacerations.

Climate Change and Flowering Phenology in Worcester County, Massachusetts

Premise of research. Flowering times are sensitive indicators of climate change. This study explores important methodological issues in the use of samples of phenological records, quantifies change in flowering times, and examines causes of variability among species.Methodology. I used Monte Carlo simulations to explore effects of sample size on estimates of phenological statistics. I documented 60 yr of change in temperature and flowering times of forbs in Worcester County, Massachusetts, a largely nonurban area, using a combination of herbarium specimens and observations, and I tested several hypotheses using these data. I also compared changes in flowering times in eastern North America from several published studies.Pivotal results. Average spring temperatures increased 1.4°C (0.24°C/decade) during the last 60 yr. Mean and median flowering dates were most robust for small sample sizes, while early and late flowering dates and ranges were least stable. Mean flowering time advanced 2.9 d (0.4°C/decade), with greatest advances in early-flowering species. The predicted advance for a spring-flowering species was 4–10 d (0.6°–1.5°C/decade) using different models, corresponding to 2.5–6.3 d/°C of springtime warming. Flowering advanced more in species with shorter blooming periods than in species with longer blooming periods. Flowering advance was unaffected by a species’ native status and by whether it was locally increasing or declining. Phenological advances reported for the same species in different studies showed no significant correlation.Conclusions. Advances in flowering times were comparable to those in other north temperate studies, as was the large change in spring-flowering species. Contrary to other studies, phenological changes were unrelated to a species’ native status and to changes in species frequency. Results of simulations and comparisons across studies suggest that sampling error may contribute substantially to reported variation among species.

Access to healthy food stores modifies effect of a dietary intervention.

Recent evidence suggests that opening a grocery store in a food desert does not translate to better diet quality among community residents. This study evaluated the influence of proximity to a healthy food store on the effect of a dietary behavioral intervention on diet among obese adults randomized to either a high fiber or American Heart Association diet intervention. Participants were recruited from Worcester County, Massachusetts, between June 2009 and January 2012. Dietary data were collected via 24-hour recalls at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention. Based on in-store inspection data, a store was considered as having adequate availability of healthy foods if it had at least one item available in each of 20 healthy food categories. Linear models evaluated maximum change in dietary outcomes in relation to road distance from residence to the nearest June healthy food store. The analysis was conducted in January to June 2014. On average, participants (N=204) were aged 52 years, BMI=34.9, and included 72% women and 89% non-Hispanic whites. Shorter distance to a healthy food store was associated with greater improvements in consumption of fiber (b=-1.07 g/day per mile, p<0.01) and fruits and vegetables (b=-0.19 servings/day per mile, p=0.03) with and without covariate adjustment. The effectiveness of dietary interventions is significantly influenced by the presence of a supportive community nutrition environment. Considering the nationwide efforts on promotion of healthy eating, the value of improving community access to healthy foods should not be underestimated. NCT00911885.

The Ant Fauna of Inland Sand Dune Communities in Worcester County, Maryland

Ants inhabiting inland dune and ridge woodlands in Worcester County, MD, were surveyed in 2008 and 2009 using a combination of pitfall traps and litter samples. We employed both methods in 2008 and pitfall traps only in 2009. Thirty dune sites were targeted for survey work. We collected and identified a total of 44,930 ants representing 67 species. Data on annual and seasonal variation in the ant community are reported, as is variation in species composition based on trapping method. Expanding survey efforts to include multiple years, seasons, and trapping methodology served to increase the overall number of species encountered primarily through documenting the presence of rare or infrequent species. We provide a list of ant species collected from inland dune and ridge woodlands and discuss the significance of apparent habitat-restricted species.

Patterns and Changes in the Nonnative Flora of Worcester County, Massachusetts

Nonnative species are a major component of global change and have been linked to ecosystem disruption, reduction of native species richness, and substantial economic costs. An understanding of the patterns of occurrence of nonnative species and the environmental correlates of their abundance is necessary to formulate an informed response to the threats posed by these species. While considerable work has been conducted in Europe on the overall patterns and changes in nonnative species, few comprehensive studies are available for other areas. Because patterns of nonnative success can be region-specific, the availability of data from multiple geographic areas is important. Here we use two floristic surveys conducted in the 1930s–1950s and 1980s–2000s, respectively, as a basis for describing patterns and changes in the nonnative vascular flora of Worcester County, Massachusetts. Established, nonnative species comprised 21%–36% of all species in the county's 60 towns. Nonnative species richness was most strongly related to the percentage of land in residential use and was also positively correlated with human population density and with the extent of commercial and urban open land and significantly negatively correlated with elevation and the extent of natural land (mostly forest). Frequencies of nonnative species increased dramatically relative to those of native species between the two sampling periods. The change in the proportion of nonnative flora between the two sampling periods in different towns also showed a significant positive relationship with the change in the percentage of land in residential use. While the frequency of most nonnative species has increased, the frequency of a few species has decreased. Increasing and decreasing species differed in several attributes. Decreasing species had earlier dates of first record than increasing species and were more likely to have European, rather than Asian or North American, native ranges. Decreasers included more agricultural weeds and species of herbal or culinary importance, whereas increasers included more ornamental species. These results suggest minimizing the residential footprint is critical to limiting the spread of nonnative plants and that particular attention should be paid to the invasive potential of ornamental plants.