Invasive Species

Pictures: Autumn Olive. Scroll down for working group information and resources!

The news of Invasive Species is spreading!

But...

What is an Invasive Species?

Invasive species are organisms that are...

not native to the ecosystem.

likely to cause economic or environmental harm.

Garlic Mustard

Multi-flora Rose

Barberry

likely to cause harm to human health.

These organisms are the most aggressive of the non-native species introduced in the US and can cause major changes in the areas they inhabit.

Invasive Species have detrimental impacts on our natural areas.

They take over natural areas, destroying habitat for native plants. Invasives alter the habitat of our wildlife and pollinators, eliminating native cover and food. Streams, wetland, and cropland are all bring effected. Removal of invasive species costs billions of dollars each year.

What can you do?

* Learn about what plants are impacting our region. *

* Avoid planting invasive species on your property. *

* Actively work to remove invasive plants. *

If we work together, we can make a dent!

Resources

Building partnerships to manage invasive plants and promote native plants through education.

St. Joseph/Marshall County Invasive Plant Partnership is a Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA), which is a partnership of government agencies, tribes, individuals, and various interested groups that manage invasive species in a defined area.

SMIPP is a coalition of private and public organizations sharing resources in an effort to educate and empower the community on the identification and removal of invasive plant species across St. Joseph and Marshall Counties.

We work in both counties to engage the community about the need for invasive species control through educational events and workdays. To inquire about these dates, or for other questions about invasive species and SMIPP, fill out their contact form or email them at info@smipp.org.

www.SMIPP.org