UPDATE: Invasive Plant Info Session Rescheduled

WEST CAPE MAY –
UPDATE:This program has been rescheduled for March 22 due to illness.
PREVIOUS: The West Cape May Environmental Commission will host an informative, free afternoon featuring local naturalist and author, Pat Sutton. “Battling Invasive Plants in our Gardens, Yards, and Communities” will be offered free to the public March 15 1:00-3:00 p.m. at West Cape May Boro Hall, 732 Broadway, West Cape May. Refreshments will be provided before the program.
Many people are surprised to learn that plants they’d assumed were native are in fact non-native, problem plants. Many gardeners are unaware of the far-reaching damage they can do when they plant invasives like Periwinkle (Vinca), English Ivy, and bamboo. In a very short time these plants might invade the neighbor’s yard, properties across the street and down the street, and even nearby preserves. The invasion of non-natives has taken a big toll on butterflies and moths (that need native plants to lay their eggs on) and insect-eating birds looking for butterfly and moth caterpillars. Sadly, most nurseries contribute heavily to this problem by offering for sale many known culprits, plants that are outlawed in surrounding states and plants that the State of New Jersey is spending enormous amounts of money to control and remove from natural areas. Purple Loosestrife is just one example. Most shoppers assume that nurseries are acting responsibly, but the wise gardener needs to be educated to recognize invasives because the nursery trade has a deep-rooted love affair with exotic plants. This program will address key invasive plants, help you learn how to identify them, offer suggestions on how to control or remove them if they find their way into your garden, and showcase lovely native alternatives. Please call 609-884-1005 for more information.