Description:  Learn to identify invasive plant species commonly found growing in landscaped and natural areas by examining cut samples from live plants. Following the presentation and plant identification exercise, we will apply our new skill set by searching for invasive plants while walking a short distance along a parking lot to view landscaped plants, then along a paved path that meanders through a natural area within King Park to view wild growing plants. Please bring a handheld magnifying lens if you own one, and dress appropriately for the short outdoor walk (long pants to avoid contact with poison ivy, comfortable walking shoes, inclement weather conditions, and biting insects). Identification guides will be supplied for use during the plant identification exercise and the outdoor walk (including Invasive Forest Plants of the Mid-Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species, Mistaken Identity? Invasive Plants and their Native Look-Alikes, New Invaders of the Northeast and Northcentral United States, and Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas (4th Edition)). Snacks and beverages will also be provided.

Suggested Audience: Homeowners, private woodland owners, owners of conservation easements, HOA members responsible for maintaining community grounds, etc.

Special Giveaway Prizes:  Two books will be given away, including “Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants (Updated and Expanded)” by Douglas W. Tallamy, and “The Woods in Your Backyard:  Learning to Create and Enhance Natural Areas Around Your Home (2nd Edition)” by Jonathan Kays et al.

Optional: If you own a mobile computing device, please install the Mid-Atlantic Early Detection Network (MAEDN) smartphone app prior to the workshop. It can be used to identify invasive species and it is available to download free of charge.

https://www.eddmaps.org/midatlantic/ (link is external)

Optional: At the end of the workshop you can purchase your own hardcopy of the field guide entitled Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas (5th Edition) for $5.00 each.

Registration: Limited to 20 people. RSVP by Wednesday, 09/11/19 by calling the Calvert County Extension Office at 410-535-3662.

Pre-registration is required.

For more information, please visit:  http://go.umd.edu/invasive-home