Since 2007, Meijer has partnered with The Nature Conservancy to help our customers choose plants native to our region, that are not likely to become the next invasive plant taking over the woods and wetlands near our homes.

What is an Invasive Plant Species?
The term “invasive” applies to the most aggressive species that grow and reproduce rapidly, causing major changes to the areas where they become established. These aggressive plant species, cause major changes to woods and wetlands.

What Harm do they Cause?
An invasive species can very quickly overwhelm native plants by reducing the availability of water, nutrients, light and space. As they take over an area, their presence causes erosion and deprives wildlife of their natural diet and habitat.

Why are Non-Invasive Plants Important to Me?
The U.S. spends $137 billion annually on the control and impact of more than 800 invasive species infestations. Which is ultimatly funded by your tax dollars. This does not account for the values of species extinctions and losses in biodiversity, ecosystems, services and aesthetics.

How Do I know if a Plant is an Invasive Species?
The Meijer partnership with the Nature Conservancy makes it easy to identify non-invasive plants at your Meijer store. Just look for the Nature Conservancy seal of approval on plant tags, or preview this list of non-invasive species before you make your plant selections.

For more information on non-invasive species, please visit our partners at The Nature Conservancy.

Fred and Lena Meijer enjoying the White Pine Trail, which spans from Grand Rapids to Cadillac.

Fred Meijer has always had the idea that people in the city were just a bit out of place, and needed the country. "Ninety-five percent of folks live in the city," he says, "and never get to experience the rural areas surrounding them." He even goes a little farther, referring to keeping one's "mental stability" by spending time outside of the noise, congestion, and great human drama of the city. By opting out, even for a short time, to ride one's bike or take a walk, a person - in Fred's estimation - is helping to keep their sanity.

That's why, in 1994, Fred Meijer made a landmark donation of $265,000 to help purchase an abandoned rail line in Greenville, Michigan. This would become the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail, and would stretch from Greenville to Alma, encompassing more than 41 miles. A precursor to a life spent donating to create recreational trails, this first trail would set the stage for a man who would later be called the "Johnny Appleseed of Trails" by the organizations he assists.

The great service of Fred and his wife Lena for families in West Michigan means that there exists a place where fresh air, exercise, and - above all - safety are paramount, and one can enjoy the rural surrounding that we so often take for granted in lives that are saturated with the constant din of the city. And yet, Fred remains humble. "I'm not generous," he scolds when asked. "I just love the trails." Fred and Lena Meijer continue to donate record amounts to preserve existing trails, and create new sanctuaries for those who, like Fred, need to escape sometimes.

Find Your Route

The Fred Meijer Trails Network spans nearly the whole lower penninsula of Michigan, and there is bound to be a route near you! So find your nearest Fred Meijer trail and ride or walk today!

To use the map, move your cursor over one of the glowing dots and click for more information about the trail. To use the zoom function, click to activate and move over map to view. To turn off, simply click the zoom button a second time.