Invasion Biology Annual Meeting

Paths to Conservation and Restoration Success

To be held at: Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
-July 31st to August 2nd 2017

The 2017 conference of the Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council, co-hosted by the Society for Ecological Restoration, Mid-Atlantic Chapter

The biology and ecology of invasive plants are a driving factor in their impacts on natural areas, while past disturbance, land use, soils and other factors can strongly influence the success of restoration efforts. We will explore a variety of topics relating to invasion biology and restoration: impacts of invasive plants on whole ecosystems, invasive plant management partnerships at multiple spatial scales, the news in latest biocontrol, and melding restoration with working landscapes. Additionally, we will present two rapid-fire sessions of short, 7-minute talks, an evening poster pub, and field trips to local restoration sites. Plenty of time will be available for questions, discussion, and networking with speakers and attendees. We invite you to join us for this 9th Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council Conference. It will be an exciting and informative two-day meeting.

Who Should Attend

Managers of parks, preserves, conservation districts and other natural areas, invasive plant management and restoration specialists, researchers, students, gardeners, landscape architects, managers of botanical gardens and nurseries, extension agents, environmental educators, garden writers, recreational land managers, and others interested in learning more about invasive plants, biodiversity and habitat restoration.

Featured Speakers

  • Dr. Douglas Tallamy, professor of the entomology in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, will discuss the overall impact of introduced plants on our ecosystems by comparing what is gained from their use with what is lost when they replace native plant communities.
  • Dr. Judy Hough-Goldstein, retired professor from the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, will review invasive weeds in eastern North America for which there are at least some biocontrol agents established and/or available, and ongoing research that may yield new agents in the future.
  • Dr. William J. McShea, wildlife ecologist for the Smithsonian’s Conservation Biology Institute, will discuss how white-tailed deer significantly contribute to the pattern and rate of spread of exotic plant species.
  • AJ Ewing, senior horticulturist at the Pittsburgh Botanical Garden will describe the process of turning a strip-mined brownfield into a living and thriving botanic garden. Restoration efforts and invasive species management will be discussed.

Additional Speakers include

  • Beth Ginter, Coordinator, Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Program.
  • Rod Simmons, Natural Resource Manager and Plant Ecologist for the City of Alexandria, Virginia.