Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, April 30, 2014
(BEDFORD) - If you’re curious about invasive plants and wondering if you have any in your yard or woodland, you may want to attend a free workshop on May 3, at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds.
The workshop sponsored by the Southern Indiana Cooperative Invasive Management group, Land of Limestone Master Gardeners, and the Hoosier National Forest will educate residents on how to identify and control invasive plants on their property.
The workshop will run from 10 am to 2 pm at the Community Building at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds. The agenda includes three speakers and a field identification session where participants will walk the fairgrounds and identify invasive species on site and actually participate in some hands-on control methods.
Speakers for the workshop include Alex Wardwell, Project Director for SICIM who will provide an overview of invasive species and why they're important. Cheryl Coon, botanist on the Hoosier National Forest will speak next on how invasive impact native plants and how they can be controlled. Ron Rathfon, a forester with Purdue University Extension will speak on the safe use of pesticides when eradicating invasive plants.
According to Bill Schmeltzer, President of the Land of Limestone Master Gardeners, "Invasive plants are on the increase and they're having a devastating impact on our environment." He noted that not only do our forestlands suffer and their productivity is reduced, but pastures are also reduced in quality when invasive forage or hay is used. Even homeowners can see in a decline in property values as invasive plants take their toll on an area. "The best time to control invasive plants is before they get established," said Schmeltzer. "We'll do some practical application of the knowledge we'll learn on May 3rd and have some experts there to answer questions."
Seating is limited so please call the Purdue Extension office to reserve your place at the workshop: 812-275-4623. The Lawrence County Fairgrounds are located one mile west of SR 37 on US 50 West.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.