Native Species: What to Plant, What Not to Plant

Michael Van Clef, Ph.D. and leader of the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team, will be the speaker at Bernardsville Public Library on Monday, April 9 at 7:00 pm, presenting timely recommendations on what to plant and what not to plant this spring. He will focus on native species in our area that are adapted to our climate and require little care, resist pests and pathogens, and support local fauna--as opposed to invasive species which are defined as species that are introduced to an area outside their natural range and exclude other species over large areas causing environmental harm.

During the presentation, Dr. Van Clef will show photos of many plants, trees and ground cover, and describe their planting requirements, ranging from dry/full sun to wet/shade. Most will be deer resistant.
The Strike Team is a statewide cooperative effort to prevent the spread of emerging invasive species across the state of New Jersey. Started as the Central Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team, the project expanded statewide in 2011 and now consists of several hundred private individuals and public and private organizations representing all levels of government from federal to municipal, non-profit conservation groups and consulting foresters.

This program is presented in partnership with the Bernardsville Green Team, Environmental Commission, and Shade Tree Committee. There is no charge to attend, but advance sign-up is requested. Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link from Adult Programs, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up.