Kennebec County Soil & Water Conservation is partnering with Viles Arboretum to offer an Invasive Plant Workshop.
Learn to Identify, Map, and Combat Maine's Invasive Species!
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (includes lunch break)
Location: Viles Arboretum at 153 Hospital St in Augusta, ME – Morning class in the Education Barn
Cost: Free! Recommended donation of $15 but not required. Donations help support the district in offering future educational programming.
Registration Deadline: September 8, 2025
Register here for the event!
Join Chad Hammer, Invasive Plant Biologist with the Maine Natural Areas Program (Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry), for an engaging half-day workshop that combines classroom learning with hands-on field experience. We'll also include a brief introduction to Maine Forest Service District Forester services with Jared Gregory, with a sign-up opportunity for those interested in learning more about available forestry assistance.
Morning Classroom Session (2 hours): Learn about invasive plant ecology, spread patterns, and environmental impacts. Discover the critical importance of Early Detection/Rapid Response (EDRR) and which species to prioritize. Master identification techniques for common invasive plants and explore effective management strategies. Get hands-on training with iMap Invasives, Maine's citizen science mapping platform that allows you to contribute valuable data to statewide conservation efforts.
Lunch Break (30 minutes)
Afternoon Field Experience (60-90 minutes): Put your new knowledge to work during our Invasive Plant Walk & Talk! Explore local trails while identifying invasive species in nature, learn to recognize environmental patterns that favor invasive establishment, and practice using the iMap Invasives mobile app to document your findings.
Before the workshop, register for a free iMapInvasives Account at: https://www.imapinvasives.org/ and download the mobile app if you are interested in learning more about mapping invasives.
All attendees will receive a free Maine Invasive Plants - Field Guide!