Sudden bursts of green and other colors in the landscape signals spring has finally arrived. So are those native plants, desirable plants, or invasive weeds? Come “get up close and personal” with invasive plant species in our area during a walking program at Schurmeier Teaching Forest on Wednesday, May 4.
University of Illinois Extension will team up with Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation, Northwest Illinois Forestry Association (NIFA), and Northwest Illinois Cooperative Weed Management Area to bring you an evening field program on invasive weed identification and management.
Everyone is invited to gather at the Schurmeier Forest pavilion at 5:30 pm. After some introductory discussion, we will take a short hike around the forest to take a closer look at various invasive weed infestations on the property. Extension educators and JDCF restoration specialist will lead the discussion. Common invasive plant species to be discussed include: Garlic Mustard, Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry, Honeysuckle, and Japanese Knotweed.
Spring is a good time to identify these plants and develop a management plan. Their early emergence and growth make it easier to identify some of these plants in early spring. Spring is also a good time to control some of these plants. Some can easily be pulled up in early stages. Many annuals can be mowed, cut, or sprayed to prevent the development of seed heads, thus reducing the proliferation of seed. Others, such as most woody invasive species, can easily be identified during the spring, are better controlled by fall treatments. For these, spring is a good time to locate and develop a management strategy to implement in the fall.
Registration:
This program is offered at no charge but pre-registration is requested by Tuesday, May 3. You can register on line at
web.extension.illinois.edu/ jsw or by calling (815) 858 2273.
Directions:
Participants are asked to meet at the Pavilion on the south side of the road across from Shurmeier Teaching Forest, 147 E. Reusch Rd., Elizabeth, Il at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, May 4. To get to Schurmeier Forest, take Highway 20 to Elizabeth, turn south onto Myrtle street which will turn into Pleasant Hill Road as you leave the village limits, follow this to Reusch Road (approx. 3 miles), turn left onto Reusch Road, Schurmeier Forest will be approximately ½ mile on the left side of road, parking lot and pavilion will be on the right.
Many of the invasive species infestations will be treated during this session by the Northern Illinois Invasive Species Strike Team. This will allow program participants and Schurmeier Forest visitors the opportunities to see how the various control plans are working over the next year.
