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- Conduct an institution-wide
review examining all departments and activities that provide
opportunities to stem the proliferation of invasive species
and inform visitors. For example, review or write a collections
policy that addresses this issue; examine such activities
as seed sales, plant sales, book store offerings, wreath-making
workshops, etc.
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- Avoid introducing
invasive plants by establishing an invasive plant assessment
procedure. Predictive risk assessments are desirable, and
should also include responsible monitoring on the garden site
or through partnerships with other institutions. Institutions
should be aware of both direct and indirect effects of plant
introduction, such as biological interference in gene flow,
disruption of pollinator relationships, etc.
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- Consider removing
invasive species from plant collections. If a decision is
made to retain an invasive plant, ensure its control and provide
strong interpretation to the public explaining the risk and
its function in the garden.
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- Seek to control
harmful invasive species in natural areas managed by the garden
and assist others in controlling them on their property, when
possible.
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- Promote non-invasive
alternative plants or, when possible, help develop non-invasive
alternatives through plant selection or breeding.
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- If your institution participates in seed
or plant distribution, including through Index Seminum, do
not distribute known invasive plants except for bona-fide
research purposes, and consider the consequences of distribution
outside your biogeographic region. Consider a statement of
caution attached to species that appear to be potentially
invasive but have not been fully evaluated.
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- Increase public
awareness about invasive plants. Inform why they are a problem,
including the origin, mechanisms of harm, and need for prevention
and control. Work with the local nursery and seed industries
to assist the public in environmentally safe gardening and
sales. Horticulture education programs, such as those at universities,
should also be included in education and outreach efforts.
Encourage the public to evaluate what they do in their own
practices and gardens.
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- Participate in developing, implementing,
or supporting national, regional, or local early warning systems
for immediate reporting and control. Participate also in the
creation of regional lists of concern.
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- Botanical gardens
should try to become informed about invasiveness of their
species in other biogeographic regions, and this information
should be compiled and shared in a manner accessible to all.
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- Become partners
with other organizations in the management of harmful invasive
species.
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- Follow all laws
on importation, exportation, quarantine, and distribution
of plant materials across political boundaries, including
foreign countries. Be sensitive to conventions and treaties
that deal with this issue, and encourage affiliated organizations
(plant societies, garden clubs, etc.) to do the same.
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