Make a Plan to Tackle Invasives This Year
Join ecologist and invasive species expert Matt Wallrath of the Wisconsin First Detector Network on March 24th at 6:00 p.m. at the Historic Hotel Fortney in Viroqua as he discusses the impacts of invasives on the Driftless Area and ways to manage these undesirable plants. Participants will learn about the invasives which are the biggest threat to our area, including identification resources, tools for work planning, regulations, and more.
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Invasive species pose a significant threat to local ecosystems by outcompeting native plants and disrupting the delicate balance of habitats. By removing these non-native species, native plants have the opportunity to thrive, supporting local wildlife and maintaining biodiversity. Invasive plants often have no natural predators or diseases to control their spread, which allows them to dominate and deprive native plants of resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. Insects rely on a variety of native trees and plants, and the birds who live here and migrate through the area rely on those insects to survive.
Wallrath brings a wealth of experience in habitat restoration and conservation, holding a M.S. in Environmental Conservation and currently serving as a conservationist with UW-Madison. During the event, he will emphasize the vital role each of us plays in combating invasive species and the importance of implementing effective management strategies to ensure the preservation of our natural landscapes for future generations.
Connor Kotte, Stewardship Specialist at Mississippi Valley Conservancy, will open the presentation by sharing information about the Conservancy’s work to actively manage invasive species on 28 public nature preserves and collaborate with over 130 private landowners for invasive species management on properties protected by conservation easement.
This FREE presentation is part of Mississippi Valley Conservancy’s Linked to the Land series of hikes and workshops sponsored by Olson Solar Energy with in-kind media support from WXOW News 19. The Hotel Fortney has also generously donated use of their space for this event.
Advance registration is required for this free event by end of day, Thursday, March 20th. Contact Karen Solverson with questions: [email protected].
(PHOTO: Invasives species expert Matt Wallrath shows a collection of invasive purple loosestrife collected on a canoe trip.)