The Boone County Cooperative Extension Service hosted the first ever Ohio River Valley Invasive Species Conference at the Boone County Enrichment Center. This conference targeted both local homeowners and professionals working in the natural area management space. The conference was put on in conjunction with the Midwest Invasive Plant Network, which included partners such as arboreta, universities, and conservation districts. Partners came from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and across Kentucky.

This conference brought in 175 attendees, for a two-day conference. We had a keynote speaker and two breakout rooms which each had 3 sessions. In total, there was a keynote talk as well as 30 20-minute talks. In addition to the talks, there was a poster session, a demonstration of the cut-stump treatment, 2 workshops, and 4 field trips. There was professional credit offered for the International Society of Arborist as well as pesticide credit for Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. 

Over 96% of attendees rated the conference as exceeding expectations or outstanding. Over 60% of attendees joined us for the poster session and reception on Wednesday. Nearly 65% signed up for a field trip or workshop. Over 80% interacted with our sponsors and exhibitors, over 90% found opportunities to network with colleagues, and nearly 35% received CEU credits. Over 98% of respondents rated the programmatic content as exceeded expectations or outstanding.