The Polly Hill Arboretum is not unlike many other arboreta nationally or internationally in that we collect and grow a broad range of biodiversity from many parts of the world. In fact, within our collection policy we make it clear that we will concentrate our collection efforts on the native plants of Martha's Vineyard and the Atlantic Coastal Plain but we also collect plants from Japan and other parts of the world.

Our collection policy clearly states: "That with any seed collecting efforts either here or overseas, that we will not collect from rare populations and that we will avoid plants with the potential to become invasive."

The Arboretum over the last three years has removed a number of plants that have been cited as potentially invasive plants by many conservation organizations and arboreta.

We embrace the fact that the two most critical factors to the worldwide loss of biodiversity is the fragmentation and destruction of habitats that support healthy plant populations and the degrading influence of invasive species on natural plant populations.

In our role as scientists and stewards of our natural areas we inform our membership and visitors of the potential negative impact of invasive plants.

The Polly Hill Arboretum has adopted the following:

Voluntary Codes of Conduct for Arboreta and Botanical Gardens regarding invasive plants:

• Conduct an institution-wide review examining all departments and activities that provide opportunities to stem the proliferation of invasive species and inform visitors. For example, review or write a collections policy that addresses this issue; examine such activities as seed sales, plant sales, book store offerings, wreath-making workshops, etc.

• Avoid introducing invasive plants by establishing an invasive plant assessment procedure. Predictive risk assessments are desirable, and should also include responsible monitoring on the garden site or through partnerships with other institutions. Institutions should be aware of both direct and indirect effects of plant introduction, such as biological interference in gene flow, disruption of pollinator relationships, etc.

• Consider removing invasive species from plant collections. If a decision is made to retain an invasive plant, ensure its control and provide strong interpretation to the public explaining the risk and its function in the garden.

• Seek to control harmful invasive species in natural areas managed by the garden and assist others in controlling them on their property, when possible.

• Promote non-invasive alternative plants or, when possible, help develop non-invasive alternatives through plant selection or breeding.

• If your institution participates in seed or plant distribution, including through Index Seminum, do not distribute known invasive plants xcept for bona-fide research purposes, and consider the consequences of distribution outside your biogeographic region. Consider a statement of caution attached to species that appear to be potentially invasive but have not been fully evaluated.

• Increase public awareness about invasive plants. Inform why they are a problem, including the origin, mechanisms of harm, and need for prevention and control. Work with the local nursery and seed industries to assist the public in environmentally safe gardening and sales. Horticulture education programs, such as those at universities, should also be included in education and outreach efforts. Encourage he public to evaluate what they do in their own practices and gardens.

• Participate in developing, implementing, or supporting national, regional, or local early warning systems for immediate reporting and control. Participate also in the creation of regional lists of concern.

• Botanical gardens should try to become informed about invasiveness of their species in other biogeographic regions, and this information should be compiled and shared in a manner accessible to all.

• Become partners with other organizations in the management of harmful invasive species. Follow all laws on importation, exportation, quarantine, and distribution of plant materials across political boundaries, including foreign countries. Be sensitive to conventions and treaties that deal with this issue, and encourage affiliated organizations (plant societies, garden clubs, etc.) to do the same.

These voluntary codes were the result of a significant meeting held at the Missouri Botanical Garden in December 2001, and than a follow-up meeting at the Chicago Botanic Garden in October of 2002.

To read more about the meeting follow the title link provided below:

Linking Ecology and Horticulture to Prevent Plant Invasions

In Addition the Invasive Plant Atlas of New England (IPANE) is a great resource to find out about the current status of invasive plants in New England.

The Invasive Plant Atlas of New England’s mission is to create a comprehensive web-accessible database of invasive and potentially invasive plants in New England that will be continually updated by a network of professionals and trained volunteers.

More recently the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) has produced a list of Invasive plants in Massachusetts: see Invasives in Massachusetts.

Tim Boland, Executive Director, The Polly Hill Arboretum