KINGSFORD, MICH. – The Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition (WRISC) will be hosting Invasive Trade-Up Days, encouraging local property owners to exchange harmful plants for free or discounted native species.
WRISC Coordinator Lindsay Peterson explained that since 2009, their mission has been to “raise awareness on invasive species and conduct invasive species prevention and management.”
As a grant-funded multi-partner organization, WRISC bridges connections between efforts in Marinette, Forest and Florence counties as well as Menominee and Dickinson counties in Michigan.
One program that the organization has brought back across their coverage area for six years is the Invasive Trade-Up Days.
Peterson shared that the trade program was inspired by their sister group Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network, which would set up dumpster sites and collect invasive Japanese barberry.
WRISC expanded on this premise, as Peterson explained, “We wanted to help incentivize people to remove invasive shrubs, including barberry, honeysuckle, buckthorn and burning bush.”
During the early trade-ups, property owners were offered a direct trade of a native shrub for every invasive shrub brought in. But, because of difficulties keeping the plants alive and managing inventory across five counties, they have since switched to a voucher program.
Now, landowners can drop off invasive shrubs with roots from their property in exchange for a $10 voucher — up to $100 — to be used toward a native shrub or perennial from a local participating nursery, plant sale or greenhouse.
“This has helped us bring more awareness to the issue of ornamental invasive plants,” Peterson shared.
She added that this setup encourages “buying smart and knowing what it is that you’re purchasing when it comes to landscape plants.”
Those who are not sure whether or not they have invasive plants on their property can use the iNaturalist app. The iNaturalist app uses a crowdsourced species identification system to give people more information on the plants and animals they are interacting with.
Other online resources include the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network app and website as well as the WRISC website.
Additionally, Peterson said that WRISC is happy to answer questions and offers site visits to those living within their five county coverage area.
When it comes to selecting native species to plant in the place of invasive ones, the WRISC webpage provides recommendations.
Peterson shared that some of her personal favorites are “wild columbine and New England aster [because] those are always great — especially the aster — for some late season colors and they last a long time.”
Local partners where native plants like these and more can be purchased include
Concordia Gardens and Perennials in Wausaukee and the Northern Lights Master Gardeners Association, Inc. (NLMGAI) at the Harmony Arboretum in Peshtigo.
Invasive Trade-Up Days will be hosted at the Marinette Land Information Department on May 14 and May 15 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The event will also be held May 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Menominee Conservation District Office.
Additionally, the event will continue on May 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Harmony Arboretum during the NLMGAI plant sale.
For more information about the WRISC, Invasive Trade-Up Days and other upcoming events — including a removal project on May 22 in Red Arrow Park — visit www.wrisc.org/ or call (906) 774-1550 ext.102.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here