1. Be on the lookout for invasive plants.

Learn to identify noxious and invasive plants. Take samples of questionable plants to the local Cooperative Extension Service offices. Avoid collecting plants you do not know and don’t grow them. Note invasions of new plants or new invasions of known “weeds”. Call your local extension office to report sightings.

2. Landscape with native plants.

Gardeners may be tempted to use beautiful plants that are terrible pests once they escape into the wild. The Cooperative Extension Service has a listing of native plants that grow in your area in the publication - A Key to Flower Growing in Alaska.

In 2004 a new publication, “Voluntary Codes of Conduct for the Gardening Public”, was created in response to the growing threat posed by invasive plants in Alaska. This document provides guideline for gardeners to follow to help reduce the introduction and spread of invasive plants in the gardening community. Copies are available from the Cooperative Extension Service. Look for additional Codes of Conduct coming soon.

If you see invasive plants sold in your local greenhouse, nursery, or pet store, inform the owner that the species in invasive and suggest they not sell the species.

3. Spread the word, not the weeds.

Clean your car and recreational vehicle including tire treads, hiking boots, running shoes, and other gear before entering native areas. Seeds and spores can hitchhike on muddy hiking boots, running shoes, backpacks and farm and garden equipment, boats and aircrafts.

Buy certified weed-free forage and mulch. Dog mushing and guided, horseback hunts are important recreational activities occurring on public lands in Alaska. Both have the potential of spreading noxious weed seed into remote areas via bedding and feed. The Alaska Weed Free Forage and Mulch Program is currently expanding.

4. Volunteer.

Volunteer to assist land managers in removing invasive plants and restoring native plant communities. Participate in local community weed pulls. For information on participating in or organizing a community weed pull, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service, your local Soil and Water Conservation District, or the National Park Service.

5. Lobby your legislators.

Express your concerns about the need to manage and control invasive species to your elected representatives and urge them to ensure that the State's quarantine and response programs are state-of-the-art. Spread the word. Share this information with a friend!

For other sites on what you can do visit:
http://www.invasivespecies.gov/community/whatyou.shtml.

For Further Information Contact:
Alaska Committee for Noxious and
Invasive Plants Management (CNIPM)
UAF Cooperative Extension Service
2221 E. Northern Lights Boulevard, Suite 118
Anchorage, AK 99508-4143
Attn: Invasive Plants Program

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