Plant symposium registration now open

STORRS >> Invasive Plants in Our Changing World: Learn from the Past, Prepare for the Future, presented by the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG), will be held 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, at the Student Union, University of Connecticut, Storrs.

This eighth biennial conference features national, regional and local experts as well as citizen volunteers sharing practical solutions for invasive plant management and actions needed to promote native species and improve wildlife habitat.

The symposium is open to the public and includes introductory information about invasive plants. People with all levels of interest and experience are invited to attend.

Nationally recognized keynote speaker Jil Swearingen, co-author of “Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas” will present “We’re Moving on Up: Invasive Plants Heading North.”

Karl Wagener, executive director of the Connecticut Council on Environmental Quality, will speak on “Connecticut’s Future: Rooted in Choice.”

William Hyatt, vice chair of the Connecticut Invasive Plants Council, will provide a legislative update.

Charlotte Pyle, formerly with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, will deliver closing remarks.

Concurrent afternoon sessions will include:

• What Are Other States Doing? Panel discussion with New England invasive plant experts.

• Native Plants for our Pollinators – Creating a balanced and healthy pollinator environment.

• Management of Key Invasives: Success Stories and Progress Reports

• Biological Control: No Animal Too Small – Learn about these valuable invasive plant management tools.

• Aquatic Invasive Plants – Updates on Hydrilla and other new aquatic invasive plant threats.

• Plants to Watch Out For: Future Threats – What are the new invasives that threaten our borders?

Research and management posters, an invasive plant identification area and other educational exhibits will be featured throughout the day.

The registration fee includes parking and lunch.

Pesticide Recertification Credits and other continuing education credits (CEU’s) will be available.

Attendees are advised to register early, as the last symposium had record attendance and sold out in advance with 500 attendees.

Early registration is $50, if postmarked or online by Sept. 12; after Sept. 12, the fee is $60, and $25 for students with ID.

The symposium agenda, online registration, and mail-in registration form are available at http://cipwg.uconn.edu/2016symposium/.

For additional information, contact Donna Ellis at 860-4866448; donna.ellis@uconn.edu.