By Andi Anderson
Invasive species are harmful plants and organisms that spread quickly and damage local environments. They affect farms, forests, and gardens, causing both economic and environmental problems. To address this issue, a special training program has been designed to teach effective management techniques.
The program is conducted over two days and includes both online learning and field experience. The first day focuses on classroom-style learning through an online session. Participants gain basic knowledge about invasive species, their impact, and strategies for controlling them. This session helps build a strong foundation before moving to practical training.
The second part of the program involves hands-on field training. During this session, participants visit selected sites where they observe real situations and practice identifying and managing invasive plants. Field experts guide them in using proper tools and methods, making the learning experience more effective and engaging.
The schedule is as follows:
Instructional Day (Online via Zoom)
June 9th (9:00am-4:30pm)
Field Days (10:00am-3:00pm)
June 10th - Kane County, LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37 W700 Dean St. St. Charles, IL
June 10th - Montgomery County, Montgomery County Extension Office, 1 Industrial Park Drive 1, Hillsboro, IL
June 10th - Calhoun County, McCully Heritage, 592 Crawford Creek Rd, Kampsville, IL
June 10th - Livingston County, Humiston Woods, 61764 E 2100 N Rd, Pontiac, IL
June 11th - Pope County, Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, 354 State Highway 145N, Simpson, IL
June 12th - McDonough County, Wigwam Hollow Bird Sanctuary, 2001 County Rd 1100 E, Macomb, IL
June 12th - Champaign County, Perkins Road Restoration Site, 1501 E. Perkins Rd. Urbana, IL
Participants have the option to attend either the online session, the field day, or both. Those who complete both parts receive a certificate, which can be valuable for career development. The program also includes a small registration fee that covers essential arrangements, such as meals during the field training day.
There are limited seats available for each field session, so early registration is important. After registration, participants receive details about the field locations and schedule.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Indiana, Education