Why are non-native plants a problem?
Exotics, or non-natives, affect the vital characteristics of an ecosystem, and threaten bio-diversity as they often displace native species at rapid rates. Since they are not adapted to the area, they also require high costs for resources and upkeep. • How do non-native plants come to an area? The growth of trade, travel and migration has accelerated the spread of exotics. Non-native seeds may come to a region through the ballast of a ship, a sack of birdseed, a grain shipment or the sole of a shoe. But most were put there. • Where do I get native plant seeds? Native plant seeds can be found at local nurseries or landscaping services. They can also be ordered from seed catalogues or off the Internet. • What is going on to protect native species? There are grassroots and legislative efforts to preserve and protect native species. Numerous environmental and conservation organizations are dedicated to protecting natives. Also, in 1994, seven federal agencies formed the Federal Native Plan
