Success StoryInvasive Plant Education Program



Invasive Plant Education Program

Author: Matthew Springer

Planning Unit: Forestry

Major Program: Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Invasive Plant Education Program, 2024

 

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 invasives 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 Training, an invasive plant educational program in a “train-the-trainer" model. The mission of the invasive plant educational program is as follows: 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.

 






Stories by Matthew Springer


Wildlife Extension Works With Multiple Partners to Aid Farmers in Dealing With Black Vultures

about 3 years ago by Matthew Springer

Black vultures have received a lot of attention in the last few years due to an apparent increase in... Read More


Stories by Forestry


From the Woods

From the Woods

about 3 years ago by William Thomas

The University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources launched the live From the W... Read More


Virtual Woodland Owners Short Course

Virtual Woodland Owners Short Course

about 3 years ago by William Thomas

Families own over 75% of the 12.3 million acres of woodlands in Kentucky. Unfortunately, these famil... Read More