Invasive autumn olive edges a trail in Oakland Township, Michigan
photo by Jonathan Schechter   Sept, 2012

If you can't beat them; then it's time to eat them!
And that is exactly what I do with this highly invasive shrub (or small tree) that is spreading across the Midwest like a wind-driven wildfire.  The negative aspect is the ability of the plant to out compete native plants and as a result  alter habitats in ways that are not yet fully understood.  The berries are delicious and their tart flavor is just awesome.
 Great in jams and jellies too.  Perhaps they are one of the most ignored and healthy wild foods in the State of Michigan.   The berries are rich in lycopene and that's pure health for the human body.

I am finding wild competition on my free for the picking food fests: wild turkeys and a host of song birds know a good thing when they see it and they eat it too.  
The link below details history of the plant and ways to combat its spread.
 www.in.gov/dnr/files/Autumn_Olive.pdf.
Got to go know, time to do my part and eat more of them.
They are ripe! They are ready!