Join us for the launch of Westfield's new Native Seed Library, and a presentation by Michele Bakacs, County Agent for Union and Middlesex Counties. Learn how you can get started removing invasive exotics from your yard and replacing them with native plants that provide beneficial habitat. A few invasive plants, popular for landscaping, are causing problems for our local ecosystems, invading natural areas, and disrupting food chains. We will review these common invasive, exotic plants and discuss native alternatives that can provide similar functions in home landscapes.

Michele Bakacs is the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Natural Resources County Agent for Middlesex and Union Counties and is the state coordinator of the Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program. With more than 22 years of experience in natural resource management, part of her work focuses on teaching invasive species ID and control, while promoting increased use of native species.