Have you heard anything about invasive species that have come into Michigan? An invasive species can be described as an alien (or non-native) species whose introduction does, or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health, according to the National Invasive Species Council. From bugs to plants, invasive species are able to make their way into a community and run a muck. There are a few ways to identify these different types of species, which come in all shapes and sizes. MSU Extension offers helpful information and resources about these species on their website.

In some instances, planting a non-native invasive species can not only be harmful to your garden, but it can deeply affect any nearby plant life. Take these tips to ensure your garden or wetland and our greater community is safe. The Midwest has over 200 invasive species. MSU Extension offers a variety of resources if you’re dealing with these issues in your yard. They’ve been kind enough to classify each type of invasive species. Check out some of their classifications here.

Lastly, only a small portion of non-native species are considered “invasive,” but you can still benefit from learning about how they affect our community. Don’t hesitate to use resources here at MSU to become further educated about non-native and invasive species! For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).