Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
8/20/02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Christopher Evans, Forestry Department, (515) 294-7125, evanscw@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Volunteers Needed for Woodland Invasive Plant Survey
AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources are initiating a two-year survey of four invasive plant species in Iowa woodlands and forests. The goal is to map the distribution and severity of four major invasive plants in forests in the north central United States and increase public awareness about invasive species.
The four species to be studied are: garlic mustard, Tartarian honeysuckle, common buckthorn and multiflora rose. The survey will be done on private and public land in Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa and other north central states.
To conduct a thorough survey, volunteers will be needed. Interested volunteers are asked to attend a free, three-hour training session. The workshop will cover invasive species identification and data collection methods. A list of the target survey sites in the area will be provided. Two training sessions have been scheduled for south central Iowa.
Friday, Sept. 6, 9 a.m. - Noon, Annette Nature Center, Warren County
Saturday, Sept. 7, 9 a.m. - Noon, Sharon Bluffs Education Center, Appanoose County
Researchers will combine data collected to produce range and severity maps for each of the four invasive species and develop an invasive species management plan for the north central region of the United States. The public will have access to the results through the project's Web site, various published materials and presentations.
These are the final training sessions for this year. Additional training sessions will be offered next summer. If you have questions, please contact Christopher Evans by phone at (515) 294-7125 or by e-mail at evanscw@iastate.edu.
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Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.