More than just a weed, an invasive plant is one that comes from another region and causes harm by taking over habitat from native plants on which wildlife relies. Invasive species can negatively impact agriculture, human health and forestry as well as the environment. Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is hosting an online talk about invasive plants and how to identify and manage them on Wednesday, June 10 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Invasive plants can negatively impact agriculture, human health and forestry as well as the environment. They cost the United States billions of dollars in damages every year. These invading plants can spread at rapid rates because their populations lack control by disease or predation in their new territory.  

Nancy Olmstead, invasive plant biologist from the Maine Natural Areas Program (MNAP) and a lead author of the “Maine Invasive Plants Field Guide,” will introduce some of the most common terrestrial invasive plant species in Maine and provide a brief overview of management options.

Property owners can make a difference by doing what they can to identify and manage invasive plants. This program is for property owners and others who wish to learn more about invasive plants in their region and improve habitat for native plants and animals by reducing invasive species.

The presentation is free. Registration is required online at coastalrivers.org/events

In a normal year when volunteers are not sheltering at home, Coastal Rivers coordinates volunteers who help to manage invasive plants on public preserves. Anyone interested in helping with this initiative when conditions return to normal is invited to download and fill out the volunteer interest form at coastalrivers.org/get-involved/volunteer

Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is a non-profit, nationally accredited land trust with active programs in land conservation, water quality, trails and public access, and nature education in the Damariscotta-Pemaquid region. For more information, email info@coastalrivers.org or visit www.coastalrivers.org

The Maine Natural Areas Program is a division of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, working to ensure the maintenance of Maine’s natural heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. MNAP serves Maine’s citizens as the most comprehensive source on the State’s important natural features, and provides objective information to help land managers make informed decisions. For more information visit maine.gov/dacf/mnap