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The St. Louis Codes of Conduct: Providing a Framework to Prevent Invasions               from Horticulture

Sarah Reichard, University of Washington Botanic Gardens, Box 354115, Seattle, WA 98195
reichard@u.washington.edu

Approximately 80 of woody and 65% of herbaceous invasive plant species were primarily introduced for landscape use in horticulture. In 2001 a group of nursery, public garden, landscape architects, and government professionals, as well as members of the gardening public assembled in St. Louis to develop voluntary codes of conduct for their disciplines. These codes of conduct provide the framework for taking step by step action to prevent the introduction and distribution of invasive species through horticulture. The University of Washington has been implementing the Codes of Conduct and has used them to develop policy not just for the Botanic Gardens, but all of the campuses and facilities. In addition, the Codes have provided a vehicle to begin fruitful alliances with non-traditional partners such as the Washington Nursery and Landscape Association, Washington Association of Landscape Professionals, and The Nature Conservancy. These alliances have lead to trial projects including promoting alternatives to invasive species and engaging nurseries in discussions about their concerns.