Issue 3, May 9, 2016
2016 Invasive Species Awareness Month
May is once again Invasive Species Awareness Month in Illinois. This statewide effort is held each year to educate and inform citizens about the threat of invasive species. This year's theme is "Preserving Illinois' Wild Side." Invasive species impact the wildlands and natural areas of Illinois. Together we can help protect these beautiful and important areas.
There are many events being held statewide, including two great educational opportunities.
The Morton Arboretum is hosting "Species on the Move: Updates on Invasive Threats to Urban and Natural Areas" on May 12. The workshop will review NEW pests, pathogens, and invasive plants that threaten trees in Illinois, with a special focus on oak problems. More information can be found here; be sure to scroll to the bottom to register.
On May 26th, the Illinois Invasive Species Symposium will be held in Champaign. This year's symposium will feature a keynote presentation on "Invasive Plants Across Illinois: Status and Trends from a Statewide Monitoring Program" by INHS biologists James Ellis, Tim Rye, and David Zaya. Other presentations will be given on a variety of invasive species topics, including emerald ash borer deregulation, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan's Invasive Species Campaign, jumping worms, aerial control of bush honeysuckle, prescribed fire and Japanese stiltgrass, thousand cankers disease, Oriental bittersweet control, forest health monitoring, and more. Registration is also required for this event and can be completed here. (Kelly Estes)
Author:
Kelly Estes