Invasive species are species that are not native to an area and can cause economic or environmental harm. For example, garlic mustard is a non-native plant that can invade local woodlands, out compete native groundcovers, and lead to loss of diversity in a woodland. Zebra mussels are non-native mussels that can out compete native species in natural systems and may clog pipes.

In 2008, Maplewood became a founding member of Ramsey County Cooperative Weed Management Area (RCCWMA). This group works to prevent establishment of invasive species that are not yet prevalent in Ramsey County. RCCWMA’s top ten list of species to watch for include:

Be on the lookout for invasive species. Please don’t plant ornamental species that can be invasive, such as: amur maple, peashrub or barberry.