By Blake Jackson
The 2024 Kentucky Invasive Plant Conference will be held on November 12th at the Kentucky State University Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm.
This event, organized by the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Kentucky State University, and the Kentucky Invasive Plant Council, aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to combat invasive plants threatening Kentucky's landscapes.
“This year’s conference agenda features sessions highlighting innovative and research-backed approaches to managing invasives,” said FNR assistant professor Ellen Crocker. “From new and emerging threats to sustainable management practices, attendees can expect to gain insights and tools applicable to various landscapes.”
The conference will explore various control methods, including cutting-edge drone and helicopter technology for applying herbicide to large, hard-to-reach areas.
Additionally, a session will delve into the sustainable practice of using goats to graze on invasive plants like kudzu, offering an alternative to chemical treatments.
Participants will also learn about specific invasive species like the Callery pear, a tree posing a significant threat to Kentucky's ecosystems.
Experts will discuss the negative impacts of invasive plants on native flora, highlighting how these invaders disrupt ecological balance and harm wildlife habitats.
Practical sessions will equip attendees with restoration strategies to revitalize areas overrun by invasive plants, promoting native ecosystem resilience.
“Beyond the educational sessions, attendees will have ample opportunities to network and engage with fellow participants and meet with representatives from the Kentucky Invasive Plant Council and other organizations dedicated to land stewardship,” Crocker said. “These networking sessions are designed to engage connections among participants, providing a space to exchange experiences and solutions that have been effective across the state.”
A first-time addition to the conference is a poster session, inviting students and professionals to showcase their work on invasive plant management. Interested in showcasing the work in this poster session should visit https://forms.gle/yX6uYt8HLDusicUp8.
For more information and registration, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/Invasive-Plant-Conference.
Photo Credit: pexels-flo-dnd
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Education