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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2020 - Jun 30, 2021


Success StoryInvasive Plant Control Program



Invasive Plant Control Program

Author: Brandon Sears

Planning Unit: Madison County CES

Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

Plan of Work: Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Invasive plants have major biological, economical and aesthetic impacts on Kentucky by degrading native habitats, decreasing the richness of native species and contributing to the loss of biodiversity. Also, invasive plants may negatively affect the state’s economy when they effect forestry and agriculture production. Additionally, the removal of invasive plants typically requires a significant investment of time and money. 

Questions or concerns about controlling invasive plants is a common challenge that the Madison County ANR agent addresses.  It is a problem with a wide range of clients: farmers, homeowners, and gardeners. On occasion, clients seek removal options without the use of herbicides.

The Madison County Horticulture and Agriculture Agents partnered in hosting an evening program about controlling invasives. Dr. Ellen Crocker, UK Extension Forestry Specialist shared information and provided resources. During her presentation she discussed what an invasive plant is, how to identify them, management and available resources. She provided each participant with a newly published guide about invasive plants from the UK Forestry Department.

Madison County NRCS District Conservationist Carrie Ann Followell spoke to the group about funding and assistance through the EQUIP program. Our program was well attended with 62 people participating.

Results from the Controlling Invasives Class on November 18th in Madison County

Topic

Level of Understanding Before Program

Level of Understanding after program

Defining what an invasive plant is

 

56% average or poor 

100% reported good or excellent

 

Identifying invasive plants

76% average or poor

93% good or excellent 

Managing invasive plants

79% average or poor

100% good or excellent

Where to find resources on invasive plants

73% average or poor

100% good or excellent

 

100% plan to look for invasive plants and 100% plan to avoid use of invasive plants in their garden and landscaping.

When asked to name one thing they would do because of this program, there were several notable responses.

  • Contact NRCS
  • Learn to accept the use of chemicals
  • Be vigilant and scout
  • Start control before the problem gets too big
  • Avoid purchasing and planting invasive species
  • Pay attention to natives
  • Pull invasives while they are still small
  • Treat invasives at the correct time of year





Stories by Brandon Sears


Madison Co Hay Auction 2021

about 3 years ago by Brandon Sears

The most recent Ag Census lists Madison County as the 3rd largest hay producing county in the stat... Read More


KY Beef Conference 2020

about 3 years ago by Brandon Sears

In order to help producers be efficient and profitable in turbulent markets due to COVID, Central Ke... Read More


Stories by Madison County CES


4-H Run Club

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According to Kentucky Health News, Kentucky ranks 3rd in child obesity, a disease tied to a long li... Read More


4-H Baking Science Bread Club

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about 3 years ago by Aubrey Lawson

While the pandemic brought on many challenges and set backs, many were also pushed out of their comf... Read More