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Where Ecology Meets Ecomony
by Mike Yanny
Last month Johnson's Nursery and SEWISC (Southeast Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium) hosted a meeting called Where Ecology meets Economy-A Forum for Green Industry and Land Management Professionals. It was quite a successful event, intended to provide a forum for discussion of how native and invasive plants affect the green industry and land managers. All 149 people in attendance fit comfortably into our warehouse building along with an impressive array of sponsors and some tasty food. There were landscape architects and designers, land managers of natural areas, land managers of commercial properties, municipal foresters, commercial arborists, nature center educators, nursery people, landscape contractors, plant breeders, horticulturists, naturalists, biologists, restoration ecologists, DNR invasive plants specialists, research scientists and gardeners. It was really quite a mix of people! Many of the attendees were well versed in the affairs of invasive plants in Wisconsin while others were hearing some of the discussions for the first time. I suspect most everyone in attendance, including myself, learned something on that perfect, sunny, fall day. Many people liked the panel discussion in the afternoon. Diverse and lively opinions were expressed in that session!
My take home message from the meeting is that the Green Industry and Land Managers can work together in a thoughtful and respectful manner. We may not always agree with each other but we can listen to each other, learn from each other, and build on commonalities that help us all.
I started the day with the opening presentation "The View From a Local Nurseryman". The following are some suggestions I presented at the meeting of how to handle the invasive plants situation in Wisconsin:
- Do not continue to grow and market invasive plants. Since the passage of NR40, the Invasive Species legislation in Wisconsin, numerous plants have been taken out of circulation due to their invasive characteristics. We all need to abide by these regulations and be active in the rule making process of the law to make sure that the natural areas managers are helped and the green industry is protected from any over reach regulation.
- Green industry people-- landscape architects, nurserymen, arborists, landscape contractors and garden center managers must stay abreast of new developments concerning invasive plants in Wisconsin. We need to show land managers and restorationists that we are good people trying to help with the cause of preserving our environment just as they are.
- Make non-invasive alternatives available in the marketplace to prevent the next Buckthorn or Garlic Mustard from happening again.
- Select cultivars of local ecotype material to give landscape architects predictability within the native flora. It can also add some WOW to native species that have not been improved upon by horticultural selection.
- Select non-invasive (sterile) cultivars of problematic species to allow for a smooth transition from destructive invasives to non-destructive alternatives.
Both Johnson's Nursery and SEWISC were happy with how the Forum went and will soon begin planning a follow up meeting for next year. We will keep you informed of when it will be, as well as topics, and speaking or sponsorship opportunities. Feel free to send me any suggestions for making a great meeting for next year.
Mike Yanny
mike@johnsonsnursery.com
p. 262-252-4988 ext. 20
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During Mike Yanny's presentation, he read a poem that was actually part of the inspiration for the meeting itself. The name of the meeting "Where Ecology meets Economy" came from the following poem.
Ecology-Economy
Ecology-Economy
It's a two letter difference
in language and life
Economy-Ecology
Ecology-Economy
Ecology is economical,
Survival of the fittest
Economy is ecological
Work together or go broke.
Ecology-Economy
Economy-Ecology
The economy of the world requires humans to work together through trade of goods and services. Without the goods and services the economy crumbles.
The ecology of the world requires goods and services be provided by the various biological components of the system. Without the goods and services the ecology crumbles.
Economy-Ecology
Ecology-Economy
Ecologists must understand economics.
It's a part of their science,
just like physiology and taxonomy.
Economists need to feel the natural world or they will break it.
Ecology-Economy
Economy-Ecology
Ecologists are human.
So are Economists.
They have a common life form
and an interest in a better life.
That's good!!!
Economy-Ecology
Ecology-Economy
Life is rich
With quarters and pine cones,
nickels and acorns,
flowers and dollars.
There is no reason not
to work together
for the common good
of living well.
Ecology-Economy
Economy-Ecology
It's a two letter difference
in language and life
Ecology-Economy 
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