The Indianapolis Zoo wants your invasive plants: Bamboo, Bradford pear, alder trees

Jill Bond, The Herald-Times
Updated ·2 min read

Editor's note: The city of Bloomington updated its list of invasive or undesirable plants that are accepted for this program to be more specific.

Ready to cut down on the invasive plants in your yard? The Indianapolis Zoo would be happy to turn that unwanted vegetation into animal food. The city of Bloomington recently announced a new pilot program to help facilitate this exchange. Here's what you need to know:

Which plants and trees are invasive in Indiana?

The types of plants that may be donated include:

  • Yellow Groove Bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata)

  • Callery/Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana)

  • Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila)

  • Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa)

  • White Mulberry (Morus alba)

  • Maple (Norway: Acer platanoides; Amur: Acer ginnala)

  • Box Elder (Acer negundo)

To learn more about invasive plants and local efforts to control their spread, check out Monroe County Identify and Reduce Invasive Species at mciris.org.

Why are invasive plants bad for Monroe County?

Invasive plants often eliminate native plants, decreasing biodiversity and altering the ecosystem. This includes plants and animals, and the effects can be far-reaching and long-term.

“As we look directly into an increasing climate crisis, we need to consider all of the ways in which we can protect our planet, and maintaining healthy biodiversity is one of them,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “A program like this that supports residents in removing invasive plants while feeding animals is an all-around win.”

How do I get my invasive plants to the Indianapolis Zoo?

Residents who plan to remove any of the approved plants from their properties may offer to donate the cut vegetation to the Zoo by signing up at this link: https://bton.in/a9aE4

Please read the detailed instructions carefully before you sign up. These must be followed to ensure the health and safety of the zoo animals, as well as the safety of Bloomington residents and Zoo staff.

For more information, please contact Angela Van Rooy, Housing and Neighborhood Development, at angela.vanrooy@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3505.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Bloomington, Indianapolis Zoo pilot program to feed animals invasives