Invasive plants are a major issue in Kentucky and beyond, impacting a wide range of habitats from forests to grasslands.   Already there are many different invasive trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and herbaceous plants that cause problems in the state.  In addition, new plants arrive each year.  From recognizing and managing common species to selecting non-invasive plants for landscaping, the public needs more information about invasive plants.

To meet this need, we (Frannie Preston, Ellen Crocker, and Matt Springer) have developed the Kentucky Invasive Plant Education Program, an invasive plant educational program in a “train-the-trainer" model. The mission of this program is to develop and mobilize a network of trained members of the public to address invasive plant issues: managing, choosing alternatives, and monitoring. The “trainers” of this program are individuals who are currently involved in or aiming to be involved in invasive species education and management. This includes extension agents, park staff, Master Naturalists, and Master Gardeners.

We hosted three one-day workshops in 2024, March 19 (Fayette County), April 18 (Boone County), and May 1 (McCracken County). The speakers for these presentations included a range of local invasive plant experts from extension offices, universities, state government organizations, and non-governmental organizations. Topics covered included:

1. Identifying invasive plants and defining key related terms
2. Conveying the importance of removing invasive plants
3. Summarizing invasive species management approaches and non-invasive alternatives
4. Using reporting platforms and monitoring invasive plants through citizen science
5. Connecting with other community leaders who are working with invasive species education and management
6. Hosting events with community members to spread awareness and information about invasive species

50 people attended these trainings and trained “ambassadors” then hosted a range of invasive plant-related events in their local communities including invasive plant management volunteer events, tabling at events, and a park clean-up.  In addition, over 800 people have been reached through related outreach programs. We plan to continue this outreach and encourage trained “ambassadors” to host their own local programs.   In addition, we will host an agent-focused version of this training and publish a series of Extension factsheets with the core information the training covers.  This work was funded through a grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation which supports Frannie Preston’s position.