By Scout Nelson
A free workshop titled “Weed ’em Out: Identify and Report Invasive Plants” will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central time in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The event will take place at the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center and is open to individuals interested in plant identification and environmental protection.
This workshop focuses on helping participants identify invasive plant species at an early stage before they spread and cause damage. Attendees will learn practical identification skills and will work with plant samples to distinguish harmful species from similar-looking native plants. This hands-on experience is designed to improve accuracy and confidence in real-world situations.
The training will cover several high-priority invasive plants, including stiltgrass, Johnsongrass, swallow-worts, Dalmatian toadflax, golden honeysuckle vine, porcelain berry, butterburs, teasels, Amur corktree, and tree-of-heaven. Participants will also learn about regional plant concerns relevant to their local areas.
This program is organized through a partnership involving the University of Minnesota Extension, state departments, and the U.S. Forest Service. It aims to support better land management and environmental awareness by educating people who work or spend time outdoors.
The workshop is especially useful for individuals who identify vegetation in parks, roadsides, pastures, or natural areas. Participants may also request verification to earn SAF and ISA continuing education credits.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required in advance. Since lunch will not be provided and there will be no break to leave the site, attendees are advised to bring their own meals. The session will be conducted in English, and interpreter services may be arranged with prior notice. Registration is required, so click on the registration link.
Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman
Categories: Minnesota, Education, Sustainable Agriculture