Purdue Extension to Host Indiana Invasive Species Conference in September

Purdue Extension, in partnership with the Indiana Invasive Species Council, are hosting the Indiana Invasive Species Conference Sept. 4-5 in Hammond, Indiana.

The conference welcomes anyone who is interested in invasive species and offers the opportunity to connect with academic and industry professionals, gain valuable education, and receive hands-on training from experts.

The first day of the conference includes educational sessions, a student poster session, a trade show and breakout sessions. Participants can choose from two tracks: the Citizen Scientist Track and the Management Track. The Citizen Scientist Track is best suited for those interested in how invasive species are affecting Indiana and what steps can be taken at home. The Management Track is intended for management professionals and shares techniques for controlling invasive species at a larger scale.

Citizen scientist sessions will address management and prevention of invasive species, conservation of ecologically valuable native species, and landscape design, all with a focus on the Great Lakes region. Management sessions will cover aquatic invasive species prevention and management, control techniques for invasive woody plant species, emerging technology and methods for invasive tree and shrub mapping, and forest invasive species. Continuing Certification Hours (CCHs) will be available.

Events on Sept. 4 will take place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT at the South Shore Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Drive, Hammond, Indiana. More information can be found here.

The second day of the conference, attendees can select a field event to observe invasive species and land restoration efforts in Lake County. Several field event opportunities are at locations ranging from the Indiana Dunes to nature preserves. The hikes vary in difficulty from easy hiking on flat terrain to rugged hiking through dense vegetation. A full list of field trip locations, times and descriptions can be found here.

“Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to our natural environments and resources,” said Alicia Kelley, state survey coordinator for the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey. “They impact urban landscapes, public health, native flora and fauna, public parks and preserves, and rivers and lakes that people rely on for food and recreation. This conference is for everyone who cares about the harm invasive species cause and wants to learn how to take action.”

Early bird registration costs $80 and ends July 31. After that, registration costs $95. Students presenting a research poster may register for $50. Breakfast and lunch Sept. 4 will be included.

Questions can be directed to the Indiana Invasive Species Conference Planning Committee at [email protected]. If you need accommodations or language services to attend this program, please contact Purdue Conferences at [email protected]. Those under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Written by: Olivia De Young, Purdue Agricultural Communications