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 as a result of efforts in the late 1990's to improve awareness of the threats of invasive plants.

OIPC Invasive Plant Workshops at Gorman Nature Center and Park of Roses

Gorman Nature Center Workshop Photos

OIPC partnered with Gorman Nature Center and Columbus Recreation & Parks to offer two successful workshops this summer. The first workshop was held on August 29th, 10am-3pm, at Gorman Nature Center in Mansfield, in cooperation with the Richland County Park District.  This workshop was attended by 36 people and focused on identification of invasive plants, control techniques, and alternatives to invasive plants.  Speakers included Jennifer Windus, Kyle Bailey (land manager for Richland Co. PD), and Peter Lowe (Dawes Arboretum).  After the presentations, the group took a field trip at Gorman Nature Center to see some of the invasive plant control efforts there. Alternatives to invasive plants were available for sale by Dawes Arboretum and Natives in Harmony.
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The second workshop was held at the Park of Roses in Columbus on September 14th, 10am-3pm, in cooperation with Columbus Recreation & Parks.  The workshop was attended by 46 people and also focused on invasive plant identification and control techniques, and alternative plants.  Speakers included Jennifer Windus, Marylouise Bohannon (Columbus Recreation & Parks), and David Listerman (Listerman & Associates).  There was a field trip in the afternoon to see some of the invasive plant control efforts in the Park of Roses.  Alternatives to invasive plants were available for sale by Dawes Arboretum.

Both workshops attracted new people including homeowners and landowners, Master Gardeners, and land managers. The workshops focused on replacing invasive plants with alternative species, using the new OIPC brochure as the primary resource.  We look forward to offering similar workshops in different parts of the state in 2018.
Park of Roses Workshop Photos

 OIPC Summer 2017 Newsletter

The Summer OIPC Newsletter is hot off the press!
You can find it HERE in our newsletter archive.
 INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
  • President's Corner
  • 2 Easy Ways to Support OIPC
  • 2017 Invasive Plant Workshops
  • OIPC Seeking Applications for Research Grants,
    Fall 2017
  • A Native Landscape Tree, Nyssa sylvatica
  • What Are Invasive Pear Trees and What Should be Done About Them?
  • New Brochure Available Now:
    Alternatives for Invasive Plants in Ohio – A Guide for Landscaping and Habitat Restoration
  • OIPC Board of Directors

ANNOUNCING
​OIPC'S NEW BROCHURE!

The Ohio Invasive Plants Council has a new brochure entitled "Alternatives for Invasive Plants in Ohio: A Guide for Landscaping and Habitat Restoration".  It represents a collaborative effort between OIPC, The Dawes Arboretum, and the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association and was funded with a Columbus Foundation grant.  The brochure covers 15 invasive plants and recommends 3-4 alternatives for each invasive to be used in landscaping and/or habitat restoration.  This new brochure will be showcased at the OIPC Annual Meeting on February 23rd and is now available HERE in PDF format.  Brochures may be requested for specific events and workshops. They will also be available at the MGIX event on January 16-18th and DNAP's Botanical Symposium on March 24th.

Kudzu Distribution Mapping and Awareness

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Resources from OSU, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, GLEDN,
and Ohio Woodland Stewards Program
OIPC seeks your help in distribution mapping and in promoting public awareness of one of the newest invasives in Ohio: Kudzu! We encourage all Ohioans, including students, teachers, land managers, birdwatchers, backpackers, gardeners, wildflower enthusiasts, etc. to download the EDDMapS Smart Phone App and document any kudzu found growing in Ohio. For the latest news and information concerning kudzu in Ohio, see the News article "Plant That Ate the South Is Here:Poster Tells Public to Watch Out for Kudzu" or request the new kudzu awareness poster from the Ohio Woodland Stewards Program at ohiowoods@osu.edu.

Ways You or Your Organization Can Help

Organizations Providing Financial Support


Become a Partner
Join our partnership program! With a donation of $100 or more we will recognize our ongoing financial supporters on our website's partner page linking to your website. For details click HERE..
Join our partnership program with in-kind support. When you provide in-kind support and/or services we will recognize you on our website's Organizational Support page, see HERE.


Donate Today!

OIPC is operated by a Board of volunteers and is a 501(c)3 organization so your donations are fully tax-deductible. To make a tax-deductible donation, click HERE.
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!

OIPC T-shirt Design Winner!

The OIPC Board is pleased to announce that the design by Kristina Gauer, a graphic designer in Akron, Ohio, has been selected for the T-shirt that celebrates our 10th Anniversary. Attractive T-shirts with this terrific design will be available for purchase for $15 at future OIPC workshops and meetings.

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.