Invasive plants continue challenging Kentucky’s landscapes, threatening native biodiversity, agricultural productivity and forest health.  

To confront these issues, the 2024 Kentucky Invasive Plant Conference will bring natural resource experts, landowners and community members together on Nov. 12 at the Kentucky State University Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm.  

Organized through a partnership between the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR), a part of the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; Kentucky State University; and the Kentucky Invasive Plant Council, the event aims to share practical strategies for managing these persistent invaders in the state. 

“This year’s conference agenda features sessions highlighting innovative and research-backed approaches to managing invasives,” said FNR assistant professor Ellen Crocker. “From new and emerging threats to sustainable management practices, attendees can expect to gain insights and tools applicable to various landscapes.” 

One up-and-coming control measure includes cutting-edge technology utilizing drones and helicopters for aerial herbicide application. These methods cover large areas efficiently, offering practical solutions for landowners and managers dealing with hard-to-reach or widespread infestations. 

Another session will explore the use of goat grazing, a sustainable option that harnesses goats’ natural browsing behavior to control invasives like kudzu. This approach can be an alternative in areas where chemical treatments are less desirable or feasible. 

Attendees will also gain access to the latest information on prominent species threatening Kentucky’s ecosystems, including the Callery pear—a tree whose rapid spread in has raised significant concerns among environmental and forestry experts.  

The conference will also address the broader impacts of invasive plants on Kentucky’s native flora, highlighting the ways that invasive species can disrupt ecosystem stability by crowding out native plants, altering soil composition and affecting wildlife habitats. Practical sessions will discuss methods to restore areas overrun by invasives, providing landowners and managers with restoration strategies that prioritize resilience and support Kentucky’s native ecosystems. 

“Beyond the educational sessions, attendees will have ample opportunities to network and engage with fellow participants and meet with representatives from the Kentucky Invasive Plant Council and other organizations dedicated to land stewardship,” Crocker said. “These networking sessions are designed to engage connections among participants, providing a space to exchange experiences and solutions that have been effective across the state.” 

For the first time, the conference will host a poster session and invites students and professionals to submit and display a poster during the event. Those interested in showcasing their work in this poster session should visit https://forms.gle/yX6uYt8HLDusicUp8. 

For more details and to register, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/Invasive-Plant-Conference. 

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Writer: Jordan Strickler, jstrickler@uky.edu    

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