Why OIPC Exists
The Ohio Invasive Plants Council is a coalition of agencies, organizations, and individuals throughout Ohio concerned about the introduction, spread, and control of invasive, non-native plants in Ohio's natural habitats. OIPC promotes public awareness of invasive species issues and encourages land management and research to detect invasive species and prevent new invasions into natural ecosystems. OIPC was formed as a 501(c)(3)not-for-profit organization in 2005 to improve awareness of the threats of invasive plants.
The Ohio Invasive Plants Council is a coalition of agencies, organizations, and individuals throughout Ohio concerned about the introduction, spread, and control of invasive, non-native plants in Ohio's natural habitats. OIPC promotes public awareness of invasive species issues and encourages land management and research to detect invasive species and prevent new invasions into natural ecosystems. OIPC was formed as a 501(c)(3)not-for-profit organization in 2005 to improve awareness of the threats of invasive plants.
Successful OIPC Annual Meeting and 20th Anniversary Celebration
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Our Sponsors:
Columbus Chapter of The Wild Ones Crane Hollow Preserve Davey Resource Group Delaware County Master Gardeners Delaware Preservation Parks Five Rivers Metro Parks Holden Forests & Gardens Listerman & Associates MAD Scientist Associates Metroparks Toledo Morrow SWCD Noxious Vegetation Control (NOVCO) Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association Stream & Wetlands Foundation The Conservationist The Dawes Arboretum TJ Sales & Consulting |
We had many members attend OIPC's Annual Meeting on February 19 at the Hopewood Pines Camp in Marengo, north of Columbus. It was a new venue for OIPC and beautiful on a snowy day. It also made for a memorable event as the power went out just 15 minutes before the program started which provided challenges for the next 3 hours. The camp was able to get a generator going by the second speaker, and everyone adjusted, wore their winter coats, and moved closer to one end of the room where the fireplace was located.
We also celebrated our 20th Anniversary of the organization with a special presentation of our history by President Jennifer Windus. Our agenda was filled with talks about a Midwest Invasive Species Network (MIPN)-sponsored public garden initiative to help identify problematic species, engaged people in conservation, learning about a crabapple conundrum being spearheaded by The Dawes Arboretum, and heard about several management and research updates, including about Mentor Marsh. We thank our sponsors listed in the final program (and also indicated on the left) who made this all possible - please show your support by using their services. Almost every year since 2013, OIPC recognizes an individual at our Annual Meeting who has been outstanding in their efforts with research and education on invasive plants. This year, the Board chose to give the Award of Recognition to Dr. Theresa Culley at the University of Cincinnati. Theresa has been instrumental in the development of our assessment protocol as well as leading the Assessment Team for the past 10+ years. |
2025 Additions to the Invasive Plant List for Ohio
The OIPC Invasive Plant Assessment team has completed their assessments of eight different species with approval of the OIPC Board. The full assessments are now available under the Invasive List tab above, along with special notes for some of the species. The species with their assessment scores are:
Invasive (45-85)
Common barberry (Berberis vulgaris) - 51
Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) - 50
Potentially Invasive (35-44)
Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius) - 43
Guelder-rose (Viburnum opulus var. opulus) - 39
Not Currently Invasive in Ohio (0-34)
Chameleon plant (Houttuynia cordita) - 11
Sawtooth oak (Quercus acutissima) - 14
Chinese or lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia) - 20
Doublefile viburnum (Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum) - 28
The OIPC Invasive Plant Assessment team has completed their assessments of eight different species with approval of the OIPC Board. The full assessments are now available under the Invasive List tab above, along with special notes for some of the species. The species with their assessment scores are:
Invasive (45-85)
Common barberry (Berberis vulgaris) - 51
Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) - 50
Potentially Invasive (35-44)
Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius) - 43
Guelder-rose (Viburnum opulus var. opulus) - 39
Not Currently Invasive in Ohio (0-34)
Chameleon plant (Houttuynia cordita) - 11
Sawtooth oak (Quercus acutissima) - 14
Chinese or lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia) - 20
Doublefile viburnum (Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum) - 28
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The Winter 2025 Newsletter is Here!
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OIPC Holds a Workshop at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
OIPC held its second workshop this year on December 3rd at the Nature Center of Shaker Lakes in Cleveland. It was a new location for OIPC and we had a great turnout with 30 people attending. The workshop included presentations by Jennifer Windus, Emily Rauschert, and David Listerman, all OIPC Board members (see agenda). In the afternoon, we had a hands-on session to identify woody invasive plants, led by Derrick Cooper, also an OIPC Board member. The workshop was well received and there was excellent discussion. Lunch was provided by nearby Aladdin's as a part of the workshop.
OIPC held its second workshop this year on December 3rd at the Nature Center of Shaker Lakes in Cleveland. It was a new location for OIPC and we had a great turnout with 30 people attending. The workshop included presentations by Jennifer Windus, Emily Rauschert, and David Listerman, all OIPC Board members (see agenda). In the afternoon, we had a hands-on session to identify woody invasive plants, led by Derrick Cooper, also an OIPC Board member. The workshop was well received and there was excellent discussion. Lunch was provided by nearby Aladdin's as a part of the workshop.
OIPC Alternatives Website Now Available!
In addition to our OIPC Alternatives Brochure, the same information is now available online where it can be updated more readily. This is a great way to discover other suitable plants to place in your landscape if you want to get rid of invasive species. You can visit the new site under "Alternatives" on the toolbar above, or go directly to: ALTERNATIVE LIST
In addition to our OIPC Alternatives Brochure, the same information is now available online where it can be updated more readily. This is a great way to discover other suitable plants to place in your landscape if you want to get rid of invasive species. You can visit the new site under "Alternatives" on the toolbar above, or go directly to: ALTERNATIVE LIST
Proceedings of the 2023 Research Conference
You can read up more about past OIPC Research Conferences on our "OIPC Resources" webpage. The schedule and abstracts for our 2023 conference titled Invasive Plants and Global Change: Addressing the Challenges of Tomorrow is now available.
You can read up more about past OIPC Research Conferences on our "OIPC Resources" webpage. The schedule and abstracts for our 2023 conference titled Invasive Plants and Global Change: Addressing the Challenges of Tomorrow is now available.
Invasive Plants Featured on The Ohio Channel
Watch this educational video on invasive species, featuring OIPC President Jennifer Windus. You can learn how to recognize invasive species, what they do to our environment, and how to get involved. You can view the entire 7.5 minute video here: https://www.ohiochannel.org/video/naturally-ohio-invasive-plants
Watch this educational video on invasive species, featuring OIPC President Jennifer Windus. You can learn how to recognize invasive species, what they do to our environment, and how to get involved. You can view the entire 7.5 minute video here: https://www.ohiochannel.org/video/naturally-ohio-invasive-plants
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FALL INVASIVE PLANT FOCUS: Japanese Hops |
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Japanese hop or hops (Humulus japonicus) is a rapidly growing vine in the Hemp family that is often found along rivers floodplains, and lakeshores. It's rapid growth of up to 35 ft in a growing season means that it can quickly overtop other vegetation. If you have this on your property, it would be good to remove it as soon as possible. Read more about this species HERE.
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OIPC Has a New Informational Display
If your group has a conference or gathering and is interested in having OIPC attend with our informational display, please let us know (see "Contact Us").
If your group has a conference or gathering and is interested in having OIPC attend with our informational display, please let us know (see "Contact Us").
Oak Openings CWMA Factsheets on Management Now Available
You can read about the nice work that the Oak Openings Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) is doing in northwestern Ohio here. The group has also developed 24 excellent factsheets on best management practices here. Targeted species include Callery pear, Japanese stiltgrass, Narrowleaf cattail, and Japanese knotweed as a few examples. See their list to learn about how to remove and manage other invasive species!
You can read about the nice work that the Oak Openings Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) is doing in northwestern Ohio here. The group has also developed 24 excellent factsheets on best management practices here. Targeted species include Callery pear, Japanese stiltgrass, Narrowleaf cattail, and Japanese knotweed as a few examples. See their list to learn about how to remove and manage other invasive species!
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PARTNER SPOTLIGHT:
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COPRISM - Central Ohio Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management
COPRISM is regional partnership working to protect Central Ohio’s natural resources, public health, safety, and economy through a coordinated approach to prevent, combat, and improve awareness of invasive species. Their focus is on all types of invasive species, including terrestrial and aquatic plants and animals, pests and pathogens. |
Would you like to Join the OIPC Discussion Group?
Our OIPC Yahoo listerv group has now been moved over to Google Groups. If you are not yet a member and wish to hear and join in discussions of invasive plants, you are welcome to join for free! Just follow the directions under the "Resources" tab, or click HERE.
Our OIPC Yahoo listerv group has now been moved over to Google Groups. If you are not yet a member and wish to hear and join in discussions of invasive plants, you are welcome to join for free! Just follow the directions under the "Resources" tab, or click HERE.
Invasive Plants Regulated by the ODA in Ohio
Tree-of-heaven
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There is now a revised list of plant species regulated as invasive in the state of Ohio, with the addition of many aquatics. The full list now consists of 63 species, including the Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana)
For the most recent list of invasive plant species banned from commercial sale and distribution in Ohio, visit the ODA website HERE. The original Ruling is HERE. The ODA also regulates Prohibited Noxious Weeds, some of which have been determined by the OIPC to be Invasive. You can view the ODA's list of Prohibited Noxious Weeds HERE. Please check the ODA website for opportunities to comment on the proposed listed species. |
Ways You or Your Organization Can Help
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OIPC participates in the Kroger Community Rewards program. If you have not yet enrolled, OIPC would be grateful for your support. You can find enrollment instructions HERE. Thank you!
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Research Needs Identified by Assessment Team
OIPC is collaborating in an effort to assess invasive plants in Ohio. During that process the Assessment Team has encountered a number of important information gaps. Filling these gaps will lead to a better understanding of the invasive potential of particular species. We encourage researchers to help us address these issues. See the Help Answer Research Questions page for detailed questions.