Rooted in Illinois: Invasive Species Primer - Plants of East Central Illinois

Rooted in Illinois: Invasive Species Primer - Plants of East Central Illinois

Sunday, March 8, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

$5 per person

Learn to identify invasive plants threatening our local ecosystems and discover what's being done to manage them.

What You'll Learn

Invasive species are organisms introduced from other parts of the world that, after establishing themselves, cause harm to the environment or humans. This program is the first of two sessions providing a primer on invasive species—what defines them, their harmful effects, and management strategies.

This session focuses specifically on invasive plants in East Central Illinois. You'll learn to recognize common invasive plants in our region, understand how they spread and outcompete native species, and discover what landowners and conservation groups are doing to control them.

Topics covered:

• What defines an invasive species

• Common invasive plants in East Central Illinois

• How invasive plants harm native ecosystems

• The ecological and economic impacts of plant invasions

• Current management and control strategies

• What landowners and gardeners can do

• Native alternatives for landscaping

What's Included

• Expert presentation on invasive plant species

• Identification guidance for common invasives

• Management strategy information

• Resources for continued learning

• Time for questions and discussion

About Your Presenter

Karla Griesbaum is an Illinois Extension Educator in Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy serving Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion Counties. With a bachelor's degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Science and a master's in Plant Biology from the University of Illinois, Karla brings deep scientific expertise to accessible community education.

Her work focuses on land stewardship, climate change mitigation, natural areas restoration and management, and science communication. Previously a Conservation Planner for the Department of Agriculture, Karla has hands-on experience implementing conservation strategies for local landowners. She has volunteered with the Land Conservation Foundation and The Nature Conservancy, and is passionate about connecting people with nature.

Karla's specialties include soil ecology, conservation, regenerative agriculture, and resource sustainability—making her uniquely qualified to explain the complex ecological impacts of invasive species.

Who This Program Is For

• Landowners managing wooded or prairie areas

• Gardeners interested in native landscaping

• Conservation-minded community members

• Nature enthusiasts wanting to identify invasives

• Anyone working on habitat restoration

• People curious about local ecology

Event Details

What to Expect: Educational presentation with identification guidance and practical management information

Format: Presentation with time for questions

Age: All ages welcome

What to Bring: Just your curiosity

Note: This is the first of two sessions on invasive species. The second session will focus on invasive insects and animals.

Location: Prairie Fruits Farm Classroom

4410 N Lincoln Ave, Champaign, IL

Tickets: $5 per person

Part of our Rooted in Illinois educational series, presented in partnership with Illinois Extension.