ABOUT

MIPN Mission Statement

Our mission is to reduce the impact of invasive plant species in the Midwest.

Background

The formation of the Midwest Invasive Plant Network was initiated by about ninety people attending an Invasive Species Symposium hosted by the Chicago Botanic Garden (CBG) in October 2002. A second meeting was held at the Natural Areas Conference (NAC) in Madison, Wisconsin in September 2003 to further develop MIPN and create committees to focus on specific topics. MIPN currently has five committees: Green Industry , Early Detection & Rapid Response, Education, Research, and Fundraising. The Network is guided by a Board of Directors and an Advisory Council.

MIPN includes a diverse group of participants and partners. With assistance from both federal and private funding sources, Purdue University is currently hosting a paid staff position for the Coordinator of the Midwest Invasive Plant Network. Along with Purdue, the Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Forest Service and the Wisconsin DNR have played major roles in the leadership of this network. Other partners include the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Iowa DNR, Illinois DNR, Federal Highway Administration, Chicago Botanic Garden, and a number of other state and local groups. Many of the participants at the 2002 CBG meeting, the 2003 NAC meeting and others representing a cross section of Midwest organizations have contributed in-kind service, and some have helped to provide funding. The states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin all have formal or informal non-native invasive species councils or groups. We plan to continue the expansion of our network by continuing to reach out to new potential partners. View MIPN's Strategic Plan

MIPN Board of Directors

Click here to view photos and biographies of Board members

Heather Bacher

Roger Becker

Alan Blowers

Lisa Brush

Matt Bushman (liaison)

Carmen Chapin (liaison)

Bob Clancy

Brian Corr

Brian Davidson (liaison)

Chris Evans

Rachel Gagnon

Bob Hartzler

Chris Henze

Kelly Kearns

Bob Masters

Debbie Maurer

Mark Renz

Jan Schultz (liaison)

Laura Van Riper

MIPN Staff:

Kate Howe