Conservation Commission offers ornamental plant exchange

By Shelley Harms

For the seventh year in a row, the Norfolk Conservation Commission is offering a free native plant to Norfolk residents who take out an invasive ornamental such as winged euonymus (burning bush), Japanese barberry, autumn olive, Russian olive, Japanese honeysuckle, Norway maple, and buckthorn.

Bring proof of removal to the Farmers Market on June 18, and pick out a lovely native shrub to replace it. Each participant is limited to one plant, first come first served while supplies last.

Since 2010, the ornamental plant exchange has provided native shrubs to replace invasive ornamentals in all parts of Norfolk. The Norfolk Conservation Commission was formed in February 2009. Members are Shelley Harms, John Anderson, Libby Borden, Nash Pradhan, Molly Ackerly, and Martha Klein.

Photographs by Shelley Winters:  Japanese barberry (top), euonymous (bottom).