Learn about invasive pests at workshop
The University of Illinois Extension will offer "First Detector: Invasive Pests Workshop" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Cantigny Park and Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton. It is hosted by the University of Illinois Extension Unit 5 serving DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties.
Early detection and response is key to managing invasive pests. The Illinois First Detector Workshops are aimed at improving first detector training and invasive species awareness.
This is the third year the First Detector Workshops will be offered. Once again, new topics on current and emerging invasive plants, pathogens, and insects will be covered. Each location will have sessions covering brown marmorated stink bug, viruses in ornamental plants, invasive plants and their management as well as a session devoted to discussing invasive pest pathways.
These in-depth training sessions will cover material that includes: identification/detection, life cycle/biology, hosts, sampling, management, and commonly confused look-alikes.
Participants also will be given an opportunity to take part in hands-on activities to learn about the topics in more detail.
Join the University of Illinois Extension and its partners for these workshops focusing on nursery and landscape pests.
A $40 registration fee covers instruction, on-site lunch, and training materials. Register early as space is limited. For information on the Illinois First Detector Program, contact Extension Educator Richard Hentshel at hentsche@illinois.edu or (630) 584-6166.
If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, notify at registration by calling (630) 584-6166.
People that may be interested in attending this workshop include: certified arborists, tree care professionals, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, forestry and natural resource professionals, conservationists, and others with an interest in trees. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for: IAA Certified Arborists, Continuing Forestry Education Credits, Master Gardener, and Master Naturalist.
Visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/ or follow the "University of Illinois Extension - DuPage/Kane/Kendall Unit" on Facebook.
This program and materials are based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Plant Clinic, Department of Crop Sciences, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the Illinois Department of Agriculture.