Special Events and Receptions

  • 10/7 Invasive Plant Symposium

    UConn to host major invasive plant conference on October 7

    The Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG) will present a symposium on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at the Student Union, University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT.  The symposium will take place from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  The theme of the symposium is:  Invasive Plants 2014: Where Are We Now?  People with all levels of interest and experience are invited to attend. 

    This 7th biennial conference features national, regional, and local experts as well as citizen volunteers sharing practical solutions for managing invasive plants, promoting non-invasive plants and improving wildlife habitat.  The symposium is open to the public and will include introductory information about invasive plants. 

    Nationally-recognized Keynote speaker, Dr. Sarah Reichard, Professor and Director of the University of Washington Botanic Gardens will present “Five-year Target:  A down-to-earth vision bridging policy, research and management”.  David Gumbart from the Connecticut Chapter of The Nature Conservancy will deliver closing remarks.

    Concurrent afternoon sessions will include:

    • Tips for successful invasive plant management projects
    • Alternative plants for improving gardens and other areas as wildlife habitat
    • Priorities and partnering for invasive plant management
    • Aquatic invasive plant updates
    • Early Detection – curbing the spread
    • Species-specific invasive plant identification, management and alternative plants

    Research posters, an invasive plant identification area and other educational exhibits will be featured throughout the day. 

    The program agenda and online registration are available at www.cipwg.uconn.edu.  Early registration is $45 (postmarked on or before September 8); regular registration is $55 (postmarked AFTER September 8 or for walk-in registrations).  Student fee (with valid student ID) is $25.  The day's registration includes parking and lunch.  In addition, Pesticide Recertification and other Continuing Education Credits will be made available.  Attendees are advised to register early, as the last symposium had record attendance and sold out with 475 attendees.

    On-line registration is preferred, but if you would like to pay by check, please visit the CIPWG website at www.cipwg.uconn.edu to download the registration form and mail it in with your payment.  For additional information, contact Donna Ellis at (860) 486-6448; donna.ellis@uconn.edu

    For more information, contact: Donna Ellis/Dept. of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at donna.ellis@uconn.edu/860-486-6448