Event Schedule - September 4
| Time | Session | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Registration opens | Pastry breakfast, socializing |
| 9:00 AM | Welcome | |
| 9:05 AM | DNR Update | |
| 9:15 AM | Keynote: Dr. Henry Quesada | "Ecological, Social, and Economic Consequences of Invasive Species on Forests and Forest Products" |
| 10:05 AM | Morning Break |
Breakout Sessions (10:15 AM – 12:20 PM)
| Citizen Scientist Track | Management Track |
|---|---|
| Dr. Katie O'Reilly - "Be a Hero: Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species in the Great Lakes" (10:15 – 11:15 AM) | Eric Fischer and Aubree Szczepanski - "Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention and Management" (10:15 – 11:15 AM) |
| Natalie Marinova - pollinator conservation and habitat restoration (11:20 – 12:20 PM) | Lenny Farlee - "Control Techniques for Invasive Woody Plant Species" (11:20 – 12:20 PM) |
Lunch (12:25 PM – 1:30 PM)
Student Poster Presentation & Trade Show (1:30 PM – 2:30 PM)
Breakout Sessions (2:40 PM – 4:45 PM)
| Citizen Scientist Track | Management Track |
|---|---|
| TBD (2:40 – 3:40 PM) | Cameron Wingren - "Emerging Technology and Methods for Invasive Tree/Shrub Mapping" (2:40 – 3:40 PM) |
| Dolly Foster - "Designing the Landscape with Native Plants" (3:45 – 4:45 PM) | Phil Marshall - "Spongy Moth" (3:45 – 4:45 PM) |
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Henry Quesada | Purdue Extension Ag and Natural Resources Program Leader
Ecological, Social, and Economic Consequences of Invasive Species on Forests and Forest Products
Invasive species cost the U.S. over $4 billion annually in forest damage and management. Ecologically, they disrupt native ecosystems—emerald ash borer alone has killed millions of ash trees. Socially, they affect recreation and cultural values tied to forests. Economically, they reduce timber yields and increase costs for forest products industries. Invasive pathogens like chestnut blight have reshaped entire landscapes, highlighting the urgent need for prevention and adaptive forest management strategies.