Invasive Species to Know on Land and Water and How to Control with Richland Soil and Water Conservation District

Beat the cold of winter with thoughts of spring warmth and learning about invasive plants! Join Richland Soil and Water Conservation District and our guest speakers for this workshop on invasive species that are found in bodies of water and on the ground.

Learn about aquatic invasive plants in backyard ponds and natural areas in Ohio from Mark Warman. Several water weed species are on the move and threaten our recreation, ecosystem, and economic interests. Identification, notes from the field, and response strategies are discussed. Notable and rare aquatic plant discoveries in Ohio from the past 5 years will conclude his presentation.

What is a weed and what makes a weed an INVASIVE weed? Janell Baran will teach you how to identify and understand several of Ohio’s most common plant invasives and then explore alternative — and sometimes unexpected — ways to combat them without the use of herbicides.

About the speakers:

Mark’s job with the Cleveland Metroparks involves working on an aquatic invasive plant Early Detection and Rapid Response project in Ohio’s Lake Erie Basin. His responsibilities are to survey macrophytes, assist with management strategies, and coordinate partners to protect Ohio’s water resources. Funding comes from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service via the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Program.

Janell Baran is the owner and operator of Blue Owl Garden Emporium herb farm and Blue Owl Hollow forest farm. After spending 20 years in the computer industry, a series of events inspired her to leave that life and become a farmer full-time in 2006. She now lives a busy, dirty, physically exhausting, but very satisfying life on an old mid-1800s farmstead nestled in the hills and hollows of central Ohio.

$10 per person includes snacks. Advance registration required.