February 3, 2012

A hands-on course on the basics of invasive plant ecology and management for public and private landowners, managers, students and others will be offered at UNL's West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte this summer.

The three-day short course is June 26-28. It will include presentations, hands-on workshops, site visits and instructor-led discussions on the latest in invasive plant ecology and management.

Course moderator and Extension weed ecologist Steve Young said the course will focus on learning the principles of integrated weed management, herbicide modes of action, plant identification, biological controls, using technology to analyze invasive plant species populations and instruction on using restoration practices for managing invasive plants.

"Last year was our first year for the NAIPSC short course. We've modified it this year to address the most pressing subjects, like water use by invasive plants and developing a basic management strategy using GPS and mapping in a full day field exercise. West Central Nebraska hosts many of the same invasive plant species found throughout North America, so it is an ideal location for the course," he said.

Course instructors are from UNL, Oregon, Wyoming, Montana, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.

Registration and Information

Registration is $650 and includes course materials, meals and transportation to off-site locations. Registration deadline is May 1 and the course is limited to the first 40 applicants. The NAIPSC course is primarily for land managers, public and private landowners, researchers, policymakers, and students.

Continuing education unit credit is available from the Society for Range Management and other sponsoring organizations and graduate students can earn up to two academic credits by completing online assignments following the course.

Further information about the course, including daily activities and registration details, is available on the course website. For more information call (308) 696-6740 or email llehmann1@unl.edu.

Course cosponsors include the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Soil and Water Conservation Society, Society for Range Management, Center for Invasive Plant Management, Midwest Invasive Plant Network, and others.

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