Invasive plant species can grow in natural areas even as they are commercially available throughout that region. When this happens, private, commercial, and government sectors may have different perspectives on those species. While conversations may bring these parties together to discuss these issues, gardens can add value to these conversations by providing information about problematic species within their property. Gardens can utilize their programs to determine when to remove invasive species from their collections, and instead of sweeping their stories “under the rug” they can utilize it to change perspectives of public and private sectors.

Presenters: K. Dreisilker, The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois; K. Havens, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Illinois; C. Evans, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Benton, Illinois; T. Culley, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio.