None The Nature Conservancy in New York Press Releases Search All Press Releases Kara Jackson Phone: (631) 329-7689 x20 Email: kjackson@tnc.org

The Nature Conservancy Joins Nurseries and Landscapers in Urging Gardeners to Avoid Purchasing and Planting Invasive Plants

Organizations Offer Book of Plants to Avoid and Native Alternatives for Birds, Wildlife

Cold Spring Harbor, NY — April 1, 2008 — As part of a comprehensive effort to reduce the number of invasive plant species introduced to Long Island’s natural areas, The Nature Conservancy, North Shore Land Alliance, Long Island Farm Bureau, Long Island Nursery and Landscape Association, and New York American Society of Landscape Architects are encouraging gardeners to grow native plant species this spring. 

The groups have partnered to donate copies of the book Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants, published by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, to all public libraries in Nassau and Suffolk counties, government officials (county, town, village, State, Federal) representing Nassau and Suffolk, growers, nurseries, select landscapers, landscape architects, and Long Island’s garden clubs. The book details a variety of attractive and hardy native alternatives to many of the non-native plants that are degrading our natural landscapes.

“Invasive plants are one of the greatest threats to the natural environment of Long Island,” said Kathy Schwager, invasive species specialist for The Nature Conservancy on Long Island. “They are often introduced and proliferated by people who plant pretty – but what turns out to sometimes be invasive – plants.”

Awareness of invasive plant species is part of a growing trend. In 2007, both Suffolk and Nassau Counties passed legislation stopping the commercial sale, introduction, and propagation of 63 plant species that are deemed non-native and invasive on Long Island.

“This book is a useful resource when it is time to plant your garden this spring. Take it with you when you go to your local nursery and your nursery professionals can help you find the best native alternatives for your garden,” said Joseph M. Gergela, executive director of the Long Island Farm Bureau.

“This not only benefits nature, but is also an opportunity to learn about exciting and beautiful native plants,” continued Schwager. “Native plant species offer better food and cover for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. In addition, they are adapted to the local climate, and often require less maintenance and watering than their invasive counterparts.”

A non-native, invasive plant is one that has been introduced by humans to a location outside its native or natural range and, once established, causes environmental and economic damage by out-competing and displacing native plants and wildlife and disrupting ecosystem processes. Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to Long Island’s native plants and wildlife and have already caused millions of dollars of damage to our local lands and waters. 

To purchase individual copies of the book for $8.95, please visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.  It is listed as book number 185.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. To date, the Conservancy and its more than one million members have been responsible for the protection of more than 15 million acres in the United States and have helped preserve more than 102 million acres in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.