plant for a better earth

The Nature Conservancy

Protecting nature. Preserving life.

Meijer and The Nature Conservancy

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 weeds and wetlands near our homes.

The Nature Conservancy Mission

The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Get More Information

  • Make a Difference

    You can make a difference by choosing non-invasive plants from Meijer Garden Center, recommended by The Nature Conservancy. Let's work together to make better choices to preserve our planet.

    Look
    for this
    tag

    Stop in the Garden Center and look for recommended non-invasive plant tags.

  • What is an invasive plant?

    • An invasive plant is one that has negative effects on our economy, environment or human health.
    • The term "invasive" applies to the most aggressive species that grow and reproduce rapidly, growing or seeding beyond their planting beds and into nearby woods and wetlands.
    • While some plants can be aggressive within our gardens, the term "invasive" applies only to those which escape into natural lands and harm the habitat of our native plants and animals.
    • Almost all invasive plants are non-native, but it's also true that most plants that come from other places are not invasive.

  • Are all non-native plants invasive?

    • Most non-native plants do not compete well with native plants in the wilds of the Midwest, so they don't become invasive.
    • They may find the growing season too short or their seeds may not be able to germinate properly here, or they may not have adequate defense against herbivores in the Midwest.
    • Some of these may occasionally escape cultivation, but do not grow well enough here to negatively effect Midwest ecosystems.

  • What are some common invasive plants?

    • Two well-known examples of invasive plants include:
      • purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
      • garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
    • Both of these plants are from regions with climates similar to the Midwest, and both produce seeds by the thousands that can spread rapidly over long distances.
    • Neither one is vigorously fed upon by native Midwest insects or other animals.
    • Many other examples of plants like these were originally introduced as garden flowers or herbs and have now become invasive.

  • Why it's important

    • Whether introduced intentionally or accidentally, invasive plants can quickly overwhelm native plants by reducing the availability of light, water, nutrients, and space.
    • Destructive invasives damage forests, fields, wetlands, and waterways, causing erosion and depriving wildlife of food and habitat.
    • The U.S. spends $137 billion annually on the control and impacts of more than 800 invasive species infestations. This does not account for the values of species extinctions and losses in biodiversity, ecosystems, services and aesthetics.

Local Environments Fighting Invasive Species

Unfortunately, a growing number of invasive plants threaten this habitat, crowding out other species. Michigan's State Parks are working with groups like The Nature Conservancy to survey, remove and monitor invasive plants to keep our shoreline healthy and vibrant.

The coastal wetlands and sand dunes along the Great Lakes shoreline represent some of the rarest and most diverse habitats in our state. Places like this provide a home for many plants and animals, some of which are found virtually nowhere else.