Are you planning on planting a garden this spring? While it’s nice to grow fruits and vegetables, it’s critical to be aware of potentially harmful invasive plants. The Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College held a workshop teaching about invasive floral and fauna species.

Kelsey Taylor is an invasive species coordinator with the Fond du Land Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. She says it’s important to get locally sourced seed mixes before your start planting a garden.

“There will be invasive species potentially in seed mixes. So always make sure you know where you’re sourcing your seeds from,” Taylor said. “Try to get locally if possible. Invasive species to watch out for, especially in planting, would be things like Palmer amaranth and jumping worms in that soil.”

One very difficult invasive pest that’s been spreading throughout Minnesota is the Emerald Ash Borer. Taylor says they’re going to be more of a danger to ash trees when the temperatures start warming up.

“So Emerald Ash Borer, luckily during the winter it’s in its non-flight stages. But as we get into summer here, starting in May, that’s when it’s going to emerge from the tree and be able to fly to different areas,” Taylor said. “Other ones that are spreading in the winter here are buckthorn is a big one, because birds can eat their berries and bring them different places or they can be transported that way.”

Also it’s important to do your research when identifying an invasive plant. Some can be incredibly dangerous for people to touch or even their pets if they eat them. These examples range from Poison Hemlock, to Wild Parsnip and Giant Hogweed. Taylor says there are different ways to report an invasive plant for proper disposal.

“They can also reach out to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. There’s an arrest the pest program,” Taylor said. “They can reach out to their local invasive species and management offices. Definitely make sure you know what you’re dealing with. Some can be toxic, some can be dangerous. We definitely can’t eat everything that’s out there. Or harvest everything that’s out there. Reach out to your local offices to figure out that proper way of disposal.”