Invasive Plants: Issues, Identification and Ecology

Monday, September 19 from 3-5 p.m. | Online
Monday, September 26 from 3-5 p.m. | Online
Monday, October 3 from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Invasive species are considered highly undesirable by botany, ecology, horticulture, and conservation professionals—and for good reason. In this two-day course, Amanda Devine, Regional Land Steward for Maine Coast Heritage Land Trust, will identify the basic ecological problems surrounding these aggressive, tenacious plants; the complicated (and sometimes political) issues surrounding them; and how a plant becomes labeled “invasive.” After a thorough online introduction, Amanda will guide students in a field study to become better acquainted with some of New England’s most common invasive species and learn about strategies for management and prevention.

Please note this class requires participants to show proof of having received all eligible Covid-19 vaccinations, as recommended for their age by the CDC, in order to participate. Because of the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that you agree to abide by potential future changes in CMBG’s Covid-19 policy designed to address evolving public health recommendations.

Amanda Devine is Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s Regional Stewardship Manager for Southern Maine.  She has worked on the ground in invasive plant manager for 13 years and has a master of science from the University of Vermont’s Field Naturalist Program. She lives in Freeport, where she spends her free time trying to rid her woodlot of glossy buckthorn.