<p>Meijer Renews Garden Center Partnership with Nature Conservancy</p>

In a bid to enlighten shoppers on how to select non-invasive plants, trees and shrubs for their backyards that could potentially wreak havoc on the ecosystem, Meijer Inc. is once again teaming up with The Nature Conservancy to help sow the seeds of change with consumers.

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer will kick off its renewed collaboration with the conservancy for a special Earth Day open house next weekend for which all 181 of its stores will showcase environmentally-friendly gardening and lawn care products and techniques. The event will enable customers visiting Meijer stores on April 26 to pick up a variety of free informational items, including a special Earth Day booklet, stickers and magnets, while also giving them a chance to win prizes such as a $4,500 backyard upgrade or a new hybrid vehicle.

“Providing healthy choices for our customers through our nutrition and lifestyle offerings is a key part of our business philosophy,” said Hank Meijer, co-chairman and c.e.o. “We believe that by providing our customers with earth-friendly information in a fun and informative way, we are empowering them to make healthy choices for our earth as well.”

Conservancy scientists developed criteria for recommended plants, trees and shrubs that will be designated by special tags in Meijer Garden Centers. During next weekend’s event, Meijer reps will also be on hand in all of its store locations to explain invasive species while further helping shoppers identify safe bets for your projects, including purple coneflower (flower); white pine (tree) big blue stem (grass) and; flowering dogwood (tree).

“Invasive species can wreak havoc on local ecosystems by disrupting the delicate balance found in nature,” added Helen Taylor, Michigan state director for The Nature Conservancy. “This ongoing partnership between Meijer and The Nature Conservancy will hopefully help to reduce some of the damage done by invasive species by giving consumers the information they need to help their local environment.”