Invasive plants are a serious threat to our ecosystems. Expand your knowledge of invasive plants with hands-on identification practice. Observe the plants in person and take a closer look at the various features that characterize each species, and learn to distinguish them from native plants. Discuss the negative effects of invasive plants, management strategies, and possible native alternatives for landscaping.

Instructor: Emily Rojik is an educator with the forestry and wildlife team at Penn State Extension. She specializes in invasive plant control and forest vegetation/habitat management. In her previous position, also at Penn State, she spent 6 years collaborating with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to implement invasive plant management plans and train staff in the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks. In her free time, Emily enjoys killing invasive plants on her property and propagating native species, as well as working on projects around the house with her husband, Ross. They also have two Siberian huskies and spend time cleaning up lots of dog hair.