None The Nature Conservancy in Oregon Press Releases Search All Press Releases Stephen Anderson Director of Communication Phone: (503) 802-8100 E-mail: standerson@tnc.org

New "GardenSmart Oregon" Booklet
Shows Alternatives to Invasive Plants

Free booklet available at stores, organizations, agencies and online

PORTLAND, OEGON — May 14, 2008 — Gardeners and landscapers who want their yards and gardens to be more Earth-friendly have a new resource. The new publication "GardenSmart Oregon: A Guide to Non-invasive Plants" is available free at selected garden centers, offices and other locations.

"GardenSmart Oregon" identifies more than 25 invasive plants threatening natural areas across Oregon and recommends non-invasive alternative plants. It is illustrated with dozens of photos and offers tips to help gardeners select non-invasive replacement plants adapted to local conditions. Alternatives include both native and ornamental plants commonly available in the nursery trade.

The free booklet is available at several locations. It can also be downloaded online, and a mailed copy is available for a $3 postage and handling from Oregon State University Extension.

“Invasive plants take a tremendous toll on Oregon’s economy and our environment, polluting water and destroying fish and wildlife habitats,” said Mandy Tu, invasive species ecologist for The Nature Conservancy. “Unfortunately, some of the most troublesome plants spread from yards and gardens. The good news is, everyone with a garden can make a difference, and this booklet tells how.”

The Oregon Association of Nurseries participated in creating the booklet. OAN director of communications Elizabeth Peters noted, “The nursery industry’s involvement in creating this guide was crucial. Our Environment and Natural Resources Committee worked hard to make sure it focused on the most problematic plants, and attractive alternates that can be purchased and safely planted in the garden.”

“GardenSmart Oregon is the result of a great education collaboration and shows how Oregonians from all walks of life can come together to create solutions,” said Samuel Chan, assistant professor at Oregon State University Extension Sea Grant. “We’ve seen tremendous interest in the booklet already, and people are eager to put it to work in their yards and share it with others. It shows how much Oregonians care about our environment and quality of life and want to take responsible action to protect it.”

"GardenSmart Oregon" was created by a team of horticulture and ecology experts from Oregon State University Extension Service, Oregon Association of Nurseries, City of Portland, The Nature Conservancy, Clackamas Community College and Oregon Sea Grant. It is published by Oregon State University Extension.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. gave a $25,000 gift to produce the "GardenSmart Oregon" booklet. Other major financial support came from the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, the Oregon Association of Nurseries, OSU Extension Service and Oregon Sea Grant.

The 54-page booklet is a project of "Stop the Invasion," an unprecedented campaign of Oregonians taking responsibility to protect our lands and waters against invasive species.

More information:

• Oregon Public Broadcasting
• The Nature Conservancy
• SOLV
• Oregon Invasive Species Council
• Statesman Journal

Additional contacts for "GardenSmart Oregon":

• City of Portland, Bureau of Environmental Services
  Jennifer Goodridge, 503 823-4899
• Oregon Invasive Species Council
  Lisa DeBruyckere, 503 704-2884
• Oregon State University Extension Service
  Linda McMahan, 503 434-8910
• Clackamas Community College
  Renee Harber, 503-657-6958 x2785
• Oregon Public Broadcasting
  Carol Howard, 503 977-7751, choward@opb.org

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. To date, the Conservancy and its more than one million members have been responsible for the protection of more than 15 million acres in the United States and have helped preserve more than 102 million acres in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.