By Blake Jackson
The 5th Annual Kentucky Invasive Plant Conference will bring together invasive species experts, students, land managers, and community members on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the Perkins Center on the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) campus.
Running from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET, with registration starting at 8:30 a.m., the event is partially sponsored by the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
“This conference will be a great opportunity for professionals and the public alike to learn more about invasive plants and how we can better manage them,” said Ellen Crocker, associate professor of Forest Health Extension at the University of Kentucky’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. “It will also be a good opportunity to network and hear about exciting opportunities in the future.”
Opening remarks will be delivered by Crocker and Jess Slade of the Kentucky Natural Lands Trust. The morning sessions will explore key topics such as emerging challenges in invasive plant management and innovative control strategies.
Theresa Culley from the University of Cincinnati will examine how extreme weather events, including tornadoes, influence invasive species. Cody Rhoden of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will present findings on the role of fire in shaping invasive plant populations.
Following a short break, Jeff Herod from the same department will discuss aquatic invasives, sharing data tools and updates on Kentucky’s Aquatic Nuisance Species Plan. EKU’s Sally Chambers will explain the importance of herbaria in research and species tracking, while Culley will return to address how public gardens serve as early warning systems for invasives.
A catered lunch will include a poster session highlighting research and field projects from across Kentucky. Awards will be presented by Kasia Bradley and Anna Claire Rogers of Kentucky State University.
Afternoon sessions, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., will feature hands-on learning at sites such as EKU’s Tudor Farm, Cardinal Lane, and Floracliff Nature Sanctuary.
Registration is $75, which includes Kentucky Invasive Plant Council membership, with discounts available for members and students.
“Invasive plants cause major problems across Kentucky from backyards, farms and the Commonwealth’s woodland,” Crocker said. “Natural areas are all facing threats from these non-native plants, and this conference is one way we are helping combat this problem.”
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Categories: Kentucky, Education, General