Putting Sustainability into Practice: Identifying and Managing Exotic and Invasive Plants in Natural Areas of North Carolina

Exotic invasive plant species are a threat to biodiversity throughout our state, nation and world. Unchecked, these non-native intruders can lead to the decline and decimation of natural areas and animal habitats and can cost millions of dollars in damage to agriculture, parks and recreation, and water-way commerce.  In this workshop, participants will learn how to identify key invasive species in upland natural areas. Participants will also be introduced to different control strategies for invasive plants, including both mechanical and chemical methods. The workshop will concentrate on plant species that are invasive to the North Carolina Piedmont forests. The workshop consists of a morning classroom session with various presentations followed by an afternoon outdoor field trip with hands-on training. Anyone with an interest in invasive plants is encouraged to attend. Please bring appropriate field gear for the forecasted weather.

Dates:  June 25, 2013

Workshop Fees for Participants: $95

Teachers: Lee Patrick and Drew Gentry – Invasive Plant Control, Inc. 

Click here for Registration Form

Workshop Location: Workshop will be held at Elon University

NCDA Pesticide Liscense: Credits have been applied for.

Curriculum

Morning Classroom Instruction – 8 to 11:45 am

• Welcome and introductions
• Why exotic and invasive plants are not sustainable: environmental implications
• Identifying common exotic and invasive plants in natural areas of NC
• Management of exotic and invasive plants using a diverse tool box

Afternoon Field Instruction – 12:30 to 4 pm

• Invasive plant identification
• Management tools and use
• Pesticide safety and use