FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2013
Several commonly planted ornamental trees, shrubs and groundcovers have become invasive species that harm native plants or trees that support wildlife. They’re still being sold at garden centers across central Indiana.
The Central Indiana Land Trust is a nonprofit organization that works to protect and preserve the land Hoosiers hold dear. One of the ways it does this is by stewarding the land. The Land Trust works with volunteers to rid properties of invasive species. The Land Trust is asking Indiana residents to do three things.
1. Don’t buy invasive species.
2. If you have them, remove them from your property.
3. Volunteer with the Land Trust to rid them from their preserves. The next opportunity is May 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fred and Dorothy Meyer Nature Preserve in Morgan County.
Five commonly sold plants that invade natural areas in central Indiana include: Purple Wintercreeper, Burning Bush, Japanese Barberry, Privet and Calery Pear Trees (including the Bradford Pear). All of these have invaded central Indiana nature preserves. Asian Bush Honeysuckle and Garlic Mustard are two of the most aggressive invasive species in the region, but are not sold by retailers.
There are many groups working on this problem, including the Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS), which includes a comprehensive list of all the unwanted invasive plants in the state.
For more information, visit indiananativeplants.org.
Jen Schmits Thomas
Media Relations