Learn how to recognize and combat invasive plants

Learn about the nasty aliens — weeds, invasive and exotic plants — that are overrunning landscapes during a July 10 program at Fremont Public Library.

Peggy Simonsen and Meredith Tucker, from the Citizens for Conservation, will explain how to recognize and control invasive plant species such as buckthorn, garlic mustard, and Norway maple, that are taking over the yards and roadsides.

These plants crowd out desirable native plants, drive away birds and butterflies that depend on the native plants, and reduce biodiversity by creating monocultures of undesirable plants.

The program designed especially for residents targeting “Invasive Plant Species” will highlight 12 alien species that are overrunning natural areas and impacting community landscapes.

It runs from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. at the library at 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein.

The program also will include photographs of invasive plants typically found in residential yards, guidelines for identifying, controlling and removing them, recommendations for friendly native species you can use to replace them that will enhance your landscape, and, handouts that capsulize all the key information presented.

The presenters are members of the Citizens for Conservation’s Community Education Committee. Tucker has a degree from Roosevelt University with a major in environmental management and Simonsen was a consultant before retiring, but now helps restore natural areas.

Lake-to-Prairie is a chapter of Wild Ones, a national nonprofit organization that promotes the use of native plants in landscapes.

For directions, call Sandy Miller, (847) 546-4198 or for general information contact Rick Sanders, (847) 940-9482 or RickAtHome@mitec.com or visit http://www.wildones.org/chapters/lake2prairie/.