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 in October of 2002. A second meeting was held at the Natural Areas Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, in September of 2003 to further develop the MIPN concept and create organizational focus areas. These focal areas were further solidified in a strategic vision in 2009 and include the following:
- Developing invasive species spread prevention measures, particularly those that engage the green (nursery and landscape) industry
- Promoting early detection and rapid response programs and methods
- Promoting consistent regional methods for inventorying, monitoring, and tracking invasive plants and encouraging cross-boundary data sharing
- Serving as a bridge between the research and land-management communities by compiling and sharing research findings with land-managers and communicating research needs observed by partners in the field to research institutions
- Developing regional outreach and education, including publications and conferences
- Cultivating sustainable financial support for MIPN and its mission
As a regional network, MIPN draws on the knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm of a diverse group of participants and partners. MIPN’s full-time Coordinator position is funded through both federal and private funding sources, including membership contributions. The Morton Arboretum is MIPN’s fiscal sponsor, providing administrative and accounting services. The Nature Conservancy of Indiana, Purdue University, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources each played a major role in MIPN’s development over the years.
