Spring brings warmer temperatures, birds chirping, colorful flowers and green leaves, but if you look closely, you’ll see the spring resurgence of invasive species that are damaging to natural areas and wrecking cherished animal habitats.
Invasive species are those that are not originally from this area (non-native) and cause harm to the environment, human health and the economy. Examples include Callery pear trees, garlic mustard, the emerald ash borer, and Asian bush honeysuckle. Once your eyes are opened to invasive species, you’ll unfortunately see them everywhere. However, homeowners’ actions managing their own properties and making better choices when buying plants can help take back the ecosystem for beneficial native plants, and the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is here to help you learn how.
Each spring, the SWCD holds a sustainability workshop, and this year the focus will be invasive species. The public is invited to join the District for a hands-on workshop where attendees can expect to learn about the threat of invasive species, practical management basics with demonstrations, and how to identify, eradicate, and replace invasive species on their property with quality native varieties. Attendees will also get support in creating a management plan for their land.
“The SWCD is launching an invasive species coalition with partners this year so this workshop is a great step toward further education and broader management of invasives on private property in the county” said Hamilton County SWCD Urban Conservationist Claire Lane. “Parks departments and municipalities, environmental and community organizations, and private landowners have been working together for about a year to form a Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) and this workshop is a great kick off to bring some of the knowledge and passion in the group to the public. It’s going to be a phenomenal workshop for those just getting started tacking invasives on their properties.”
The Sustainability Workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds Annex in Noblesville. The workshop costs $12 per person. Registration can be completed at hamiltonswcd.org. Space is limited.
Questions regarding the event can be directed to Claire Lane at Claire.lane@hamiltoncounty.in.gov or (317) 773-2181.