MDC to offer free invasive plant workshop March 10

Warrensburg, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) can assist property managers in controlling unwanted invasive plants that cause problems on farms and acreages. MDC will offer a free Invasive Plant Identification and Control Workshop 8 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 10, at the Warrensburg Community Center, 445 E. Gay St.

   Invasive plants, shrubs and trees are non-native species that can crowd out native species that are far more beneficial to wildlife. Bush honeysuckle is a rampant invader that can grow so thick that it is difficult for people to move through an invading stand. Serecia lespedeza can choke out native plants or cattle forage in pastures. The list of invasive plants is long but some common ones include musk thistle, autumn olive, Johnson grass and Callery pear, also known as Bradford pear.

   The workshop will include handouts and slide presentations that will help property managers recognize potential invasive plant problems, said Steve Hoel, MDC private land conservationist.

   “One thing I hope to do is to show landowners photographs so they can learn to recognize invasive plants when there are only one or two plants, before it becomes a larger problem,” Hoel said.

   Many times when he visits farms, he said, invasive plants have become so prevalent that the property owner will need to spend years in control efforts. A property can be thick with vegetation, but not all that grows green is good for people, wildlife and cattle. The workshop will address a variety of control measures that can be taken against invasive plants.

   For more information, contact Hoel at 660-747-8200, ext. 117, or steve.hoel@mdc.mo.gov. Advance registration is required. To register, call the Warrensburg Parks and Recreation Department at 660-747-7178.

   To learn more about invasive plants, visit http://on.mo.gov/1ToN1UB.