Erik Kiviat of Hudsonia will speak on "What are invasive plants (environmental weeds) and how are they managed?" How do weeds that have been here a long time and have become abundant interact with other plants and wildlife? Do weeds provide ecosystem services (e.g., supporting quality of soil and water, habitat for biodiversity, food for wildlife and people, spiritual and artistic use)? What about Phragmites? It's both native and non-native. There are places where we don't want it because of habitat concerns, but it is a valuable plant in many wetlands. It improves water quality, protects soils from rising sea level, and can be managed to maintain habitat for particular species of plants and animals. How is Phragmites managed? Cutting, burning, grazing, biological control, herbicides - what are the benefits and harms of different techniques? How should Phragmites and other abundant weeds be "optimized"?

To register, contact Sandy Bartlett at sandy@mortonrhinecliff.org