From your backyard to the local forest, invasive species have big environmental and economic impacts. Learn how to manage invasive plants in Introduction to Invasive Species Management, a two-day hybrid program led by University of Illinois Extension educators that starts with a day of online learning on Aug. 5, followed by a hands-on field day on Aug 8 in Quincy.
At the online learning day, participants will explore the basics of invasive species ecology, invasive plant identification, and management principles. The field days are an opportunity to get an understanding of invasive species in the region, identify plants, review commonly used management tools, and see demonstrations of management techniques. A local field day will be held on Aug 8 at John Wood Community College in Quincy.
This program is open to early-career natural resource professionals, landowners, volunteers, students, and anyone interested in gaining experience managing invasive species. Participants will obtain a certificate of course completion from Illinois Extension for attending both days. The $20 registration fee includes lunch on the field day. There are a limited number of spots available for each field day. Sign up by Aug. 4 at go.illinois.edu/IntroInvasives or call 217-223-8380.
Non-native invasive species are plants, animals, and insects that spread quickly, cause ecological or economic damage, and are hard to remove once established. Illinois’ centralized location and extensive transportation networks provide many ways for pests to arrive. Across the state, Illinois Extension staff and volunteers work with communities to identify potential invasions, remove invasive species, and restore natural areas. Explore more about invasive species at go.illinois.edu/Invasive.
