Control Techniques for Invasive Woody Plant Species

Hardwood forests are under significant threat from invasive woody plant species competing with native plants for resources and growing space. This presentation will provide basic control and management techniques and materials for landowners and managers to address invasive woody plants on their properties.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention and Management - IN DNR

The Indiana DNR and the Aquatic Invasive Species program has committed significant time and resources in the fight to control, research and raise awareness of a variety of different taxa of aquatic invasive species, because once they become widely established in our waterways the chances of eradication decrease, and management costs increase. This presentation will touch on species ID, different management decisions, and the successes versus challenges faced in managing these aquatic species.

Designing the Landscape with Native Plants

Replacing or enhancing conventional landscaping with native plants can transform the environment around your home. The benefits of native landscaping are many. They include stormwater control, habitat for beneficial insects, healthier plants, and song bird nesting. Natural landscaping can be beautiful and easy to care for. This program covers the guidelines for natural and sustainable landscaping and plant suggestions.

Be a Hero: Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species in the Great Lakes

As the world's largest freshwater system, the Great Lakes shape our region, and protecting the health of the lakes is critical for healthy communities. However, aquatic invasive species have dramatically impacted both the ecology of the lakes and the benefits humans derive from them. In this talk, I'll discuss how Sea Grant works to provide people with the tools and knowledge needed to prevent the spread of invasive species and how you can get involved in efforts.

Thirty Years of Zebra Mussels in the Great Lakes: What Have We Learned?

Since their introduction over 30 years ago, zebra mussels have dramatically reshaped the Great Lakes through major impacts to ecosystems, infrastructure, and recreation. While the abundance of zebra mussels in the lakes has declined since a peak in the early 2000s, they have since been replaced by the closely-related quagga mussel. In this talk, I’ll highlight the lessons that natural resources managers have learned from the introduction and spread of zebra and quagga mussels, collectively referred to as dreissenid mussels, in the Great Lakes. Additionally, I’ll discuss their current status in the lakes, what is being done to prevent and control their establishment in new waterbodies, and the importance of continued research and policy.

Emerging Technology and Methods for Invasive Tree/Shrub Mapping

Forests of the Central Hardwood Region are under threat from a variety of invasive tree and herbaceous shrubs species that out compete native tree species. This presentation will provide an overview and discussion of emerging digital technologies and methods, including high resolution drone data and deep learning algorithms, for the precise identification and quantification of invasive plant species.