Nationally Renowned Gardener Melinda Myers On Invasive Species: Working Together Key

Home and Around: Help Stop the Spread of Invasive Plants in Wisconsin

By Melinda Myers

June is Invasive Species Action Month in Wisconsin. This is a good reminder to watch for unwanted plants, insects, and invasive species  in our gardens, waterways and other natural spaces. Spotting them early and stopping their spread can reduce the amount of time and money needed to eliminate these invasive organisms.

Some invasive species like some honeysuckles, buckthorn, Japanese barberry, and Amur Cork Tree were once prized, low maintenance landscape plants. Their vigorous, adaptive nature allowed them to leave our gardens and move into natural spaces. They crowd out native plants and disrupt the ecosystem, limiting critical resources needed by native insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Other invasive species move into our state and natural spaces on boats, bikes, cars, firewood and even our shoes. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Invasive Species Council and I are asking for your help. If you see a population of one of these nine regulated species, please report it to invasive.species@wisconsin.gov and continue to watch for, manage and report other known invasive garden and water plants.

As an influencer in the gardening world, I am asking you to help inform and inspire others to join this effort. Many of you already do, so thanks. Perhaps you can enlist others to do the same or find additional ways to spread the word.

Let others know that each one of us can make a difference by helping remove these invaders from our landscapes and water features.  Once out of your landscape or water feature, dispose of them properly to prevent them from ending up in someone else’s garden, our waterways, or other natural spaces.  Check with your local municipality for disposal recommendations. You can dispose of invasive plants in the garbage by placing them in a plastic bag marked “invasive approved by WDNR for landfilling.” Avoid the problem and extra work by selecting non-invasive plants when planning and planting any garden.

See how other organizations have partnered with the Department of Natural Resources to help manage unwanted harmful organisms.  Then read the stories from the 2020 Invader Crusader Award winners and watch in June for the 2021 winners for some additional inspiration.

Thanks for all you do to help gardeners and homeowners. Working together we can make a difference as we preserve our waterways, lakes, and other natural spaces.

Melinda Myers is the author of numerous gardening books. She hosts the “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. www.MelindaMyers.com.