After habitat destruction, invasive species are the second greatest threat to global biodiversity. Nature Conservancy staff and volunteers travel every year to the far reaches of our state, controlling and preventing infestations of invasive plants in nature preserves and wild areas.  

Without the help of more Vermonters, invasive plants will continue to persist and spread around the state. Find out more about the Conservancy's Wise on Weeds! (WOW!) program to promote awareness of invasive plant species in Vermont.

Information about non-invasive alternatives and practical management techniques is available for any gardener or homeowner, and a growing number of Vermont businesses, schools and other organizations have signed on as WOW! demonstration sites.

The Conservancy is working in cooperation with two important groups in Vermont, the Champlain Basin Invasive Plant Partnership which has a focus on land management, and the Vermont Invasive Exotic Plant Committee which provides coordination and guidance on invasive exotic plant issues. Both groups include state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, and horticulture professionals.

Want to learn or do more?  If you own a…

…nursery or greenhouse:

• Read what the Green Industry is doing nationwide to prevent the spread of invasive plants. (PDF, 222KB)
• Promote non-invasive alternatives by carrying Wise On Weeds! brochures for your clientele. (PDF, 572 KB)

…business or organization:

• Highlight your business as “invasive-aware” by enrolling as a WOW! demonstration site. Conservancy staff will help businesses identifying any invasives on their property and suggesting non-invasive alternatives. For more information, download the demonstration site brochure. (PDF, 101 KB)

…backyard or garden:

• Learn how to recognize, remove and replace invasive species on your property.
• Contact Sharon Plumb at splumb@tnc.org to arrange a presentation on invasives for your local garden club, town conservation commission, or other interested group.
• Check out these other websites on invasive plants.
     o ipane.org (Invasive Plant Atlas of New England)
     o tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/esadocs.html  (the Conservancy's global invasive species initiative)
     o nature.org/initiatives/invasivespecies (information on preventing the spread of invasives)