Invasive species are organisms that harm a new environment from which they are not native. Many invasive species like Eurasian watermilfoil are able to reproduce easily and quickly. As a result, the limited space of a body of water or land area is quickly overrun by invasive species, so that other native plants are at risk of death or even extinction. Overall, these invasive species can seriously harm an ecosystem or economy, causing destructive problems for many organisms. Eurasian watermilfoil or Myriophyllum spicatum is an invasive aquatic plant that can be found throughout the Chicago area and surrounding bodies of water. This plant can interfere with swimming, boating and fishing due to its thick, tangled stems and mats of vegetation. According to Minnesota Sea Grant, Eurasian watermilfoil is also invading bodies of water, leaving little room for plants native to the Great Lakes. One prediction is that if Eurasian watermilfoil is not stopped, a reduction in biodiversity could lead to a reduction in biodiversity in Chicago and surrounding areas. If this were to occur, the ecosystems of the Midwest region would be significantly negatively affected. As reported by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), Eurasian milfoil, native to Europe, Asia and North Africa, was most likely accidentally introduced to the United States by ballast water, which is water taken from other places and discharged into another body of water to help stabilize a ship. Aquatic species are often trapped in this ballast water and released with it into new and unfamiliar environments. This can lead to rapid growth of invasive species and can become a threat to other organisms that...... middle of paper ......oil.htmMilfoil Control. (nd). - Easily kill milfoil in your pond or lake. Retrieved May 20, 2014, from http://www.lakerestoration.com/t-milfoil-control.aspx Minnesota Sea Grant - outreach - exotic species - Eurasian milfoil: fact sheet. (January 26, 2010). Minnesota Sea Grant - awareness - exotic species - Eurasian milfoil: fact sheet. Accessed May 15, 2014, from http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/exotics/eurasian.htmlPest Control Rx.com. (nd). “Pest Control Rx.com”. Retrieved May 11, 2014, from http://www.pestcontrolrx.com/david_somlcom/2008/08/milfoil-5-best.htmlSimulator an Invasion! Scientists are looking into the terrestrial transport of Eurasian milfoil. (March 1, 2014). Aquatic Plant Management Society Inc. Accessed May 15, 2014, from https://apms.org/2014/03/simulating-an-infestation-scientists-take-a-look-at-overland-transport-of-eurasian-watermilfoil/