Invasive plants are quickly overwhelming many properties by tearing down the forest canopy and overtaking native trees, shrubs, and ground cover. Understanding what invasive plants exist on the landscape and what it will take to control them can often feel overwhelming. Blue Ridge PRISM’s invasive plant workshops will enable you to learn how to confidently identify and manage invasive plants.
Our workshops are seasonally focused and content differs between workshops offered during the spring, summer, and fall. We offer both virtual workshops and in-person field sessions.
Topics covered in our workshops include:
- Identifying invasive plants
- Which invasive plants you can best control now
- Which invasive plants should be controlled later
- Best seasonal practices for each invasive plant
- Using manual & mechanical control methods
- Methods for for controlling invasive plants with herbicide
- Choosing the right herbicide and equipment, and using them properly and safely
- Planning a work schedule and best timings for multiple plants
Register for Workshops!
Scholarships are available for Invasive Plant Workshops. Contact Blue Ridge PRISM for more information.
Blue Ridge PRISM’s Workshops are a blend of two virtual sessions and an optional in-person field session. Register for the virtual sessions or a field session or both! Virtual sessions are planned for Spring 2023. In-person workshops are planned for Summer 2023.
Session 1 (virtual) : Introduction to Invasive Plants and Identification, Oct 2023
Session 2 (virtual): Control of Invasive Plants, Oct 2023
In-person Field Sessions
Join PRISM’s knowledgeable staff and volunteers in the field to learn invasive plant ID, herbicide safety, basic management strategies, and a how-to for manual/chemical control techniques.
Please Note Field Sessions: Long pants and close toe shoes will be required to participate in the in-person field session. NO EXCEPTIONS. The in-person field sessions will be held rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable. Blue Ridge PRISM reserves the right to cancel the event in the case of severe weather, insufficient ticket sales, or restrictions due to the COVID 19 Pandemic (refunds will be issued in these instances).
Workshop Resources
Have you taken an Invasive Workshop? Here are some of the resources mentioned during the sessions.
Virginia Department of Forestry Invasive Plant Species Control Treatments (2018)
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation -The Natural Communities of Virginia
Virginia Invasive Plant List (2014)
Methods for Disposing Invasive Plants (2019)
California IPC Best Management Practices for Non-Chemical Weed Control (2021)