Note: A previous version of this story gave an incorrect street address for Cox Arboretum MetroPark. The address has been corrected in this version.
DAYTON, Ohio -- You may have invasive species on your land and not even know it. Learn about the harm they do, how to spot them and how to fight them in a workshop in Dayton May 13.
The Ohio Woodland Stewards Program’s Invasive Species Workshop looks at such banes as purple loosestrife, common buckthorn and hemlock woolly adelgid -- plants and pests that aren’t native to Ohio but are here now and causing problems.
“Invasive species come in all shapes and sizes and include insects, woodland plants and aquatic plants,” said Kathy Smith, coordinator of the Stewards Program and one of the workshop’s speakers.
“We’ll cover the identification of those species that are giving landowners the most difficulty along with some control options -- from mechanical removal to the more complex chemical options,” Smith said.
Troublemakers also include common reed, tree-of-heaven, emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, Japanese honeysuckle and some looming new threats.
Specialists with Ohio State University Extension will teach the workshop, which includes outside demonstrations and practice.
Hours are 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark, 6733 Springboro Pike.
Registration costs $35 per person, includes lunch and materials, and is due by May 6.
Register online at http://woodlandstewards.osu.edu. Or register by mail by sending your name, contact information, and check or money order payable to “The Ohio State University” to Ohio Woodland Stewards Program, 210 Kottman Hall, 2021 Coffey Rd., Columbus, OH 43210.
For more information, call 614-688-3421 or e-mail ohiowoods@osu.edu.
The workshop qualifies for 5 hours of continuing education credit for landowners participating in the Ohio Forest Tax Law program.
The topics and speakers:
- “What Is an Invasive Species,” Amy Stone, Agriculture and Natural Resources, OSU Extension.
- “Invasive Plant ID and Control Options,” Smith.
- “Invasive Aquatic Plant ID and Control Options,” Bill Lynch, Aquatic Ecosystem Management, OSU Extension.
- “Invasive Insect Diagnostics: Pests to Have on Your Radar,” Stone.
- “Restoration Options and Sources of Assistance.”
- Outdoor hands-on demonstrations (dress for the weather).
OSU Extension sponsors the Ohio Woodland Stewards Program in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry to teach people about trees, forests and related resources and how to know and manage them better. Goals include helping landowners make well-informed forest-management decisions and, in the end, even healthier forests.
OSU Extension is the outreach arm of Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.