Bi-CAN Invasive Species Workshop
Kreiter Farm, 12010 70th Ave, Blue Grass, IA, 52726 Map
Public Welcome Paid Event Program/Speaker Presentation Hands-On/How-To Workshop Lots of Physical Activity
Bi-CAN Invasive Species Workshop
This event is hosted by the Bi-State Conservation Action Network, Rock Island County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the University of Illinois Extension Henry, Mercer, Rock Island Stark.
Join us at this unique private property that is seldom seen by the public!
This workshop will cover a variety of invasive species in woodland, wetland, and prairie habitats. There will also be sessions on control methods, identification, and native alternatives. Participants should dress for the outdoors, as this workshop will not have any indoor access. A buffet style lunch will be provided. Please bring a reusable water bottle if you have one.
Presentations include:
Species of Concern and the Home Landscape:
For many gardeners, growing new and unusual plants is thrilling. For others, durability, diseases and pest resistance, or cultural tradition are reasons to incorporate non-native plants into a landscape. Despite recent landscape trends emphasizing the use of native plants, non-native plants are not inherently problematic, but a few bad actors can cause an outside amount of damage to local ecosystems. In this session, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Emily Swihart will explore plant species that possess characteristics that cause conservationists to be concerned, are still available for purchase in the nursery industry, and offer suggestions for alternative plant species.
Plant ID Hike:
In this session, we will ID native and non-native plants, discuss native alternatives to non-native species, and discuss overall strategies for Midwest ecosystem restoration.
Tips, Tricks, and Tools for Managing Invasives:
Do you know how many GPA your 2 gallon sprayer is applying? If not, we can show you how to properly calibrate your sprayer to ensure you are following the labeled rates. We will have a large variety of the tools on hand that they use to combat and control invasive species, along with instruction on the proper tool use. They will discuss what methods of control, products, and timing work best for specific species, such as honeysuckle and Japanese knotweed.
Restoration on Private Lands:
Focus will be on contacting a qualified forester, developing a forest management plan, using that plan to apply for conservation programs, and how to implement the plan to receive cost assistance.
Woodland Management:
In this session we will discuss a variety of woodland management practices that can help promote recreation, water quality, wildlife habitat, wood products, and other uses in your woodland.
Registration is REQUIRED. Details can be found at https://nahantmarsh.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/nahantmarsh/event.jsp?event=5477