By: Abby Bezrutczyk and Melody Penny
Education and Outreach is part of the foundation that builds LIISMA. Continued education provides a basis for developing soft skills and knowledge that our staff can carry with them out in the field, when engaging with the public, and in a professional setting. That is why whenever the opportunity presents itself, we encourage our staff to attend education outreach events hosted by our partners. In this, we hope to encourage leadership, pursuit of knowledge, effective survey and management strategies and concise and inclusive communications as leaders in invasive species management.
In November, LIISMA had the pleasure of attending two very informative events: The Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group 2022 Virtual Symposium (CIPWG), and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Agriculture, Food and Environmental Systems In-Service (CCE In-Service), hosted at Cornell University. Each conference provided its own unique perspectives and approaches to invasive species management.
The CIPWG Symposium focused on Strategies for Managing Invasive Plants, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Bernd Blossey of Cornell University. Concurrent sessions formed two tracks: managing invasives in a private setting versus a public setting. Speakers varied a wide range of professional backgrounds, from nurseries, to museums, to parks and organizations, all contributing their own unique approach to management. Some highlights included learning about biological control for mile-a-minute weed, legal and practical limitations of working in wetlands, managing invasive species in a coastal environment and requirements for pesticide applications on conservation lands. LIISMA values making new connections with partners, and seeking the opportunity to learn from other neighboring land managers.
Additionally, LIISMA enjoyed participating in the annual Cornell Cooperative Extension In-Service, hosted at Cornell University. Being able to connect with colleagues across disciplines– from agriculture, horticulture, invasive species, and more– fostered a collaborative atmosphere. Some highlights included learning about indigenous perspectives to invasive species management, understanding biotic resistance and biocontrol, and tips on risk communication in invasive species.
Our thanks to both of the organizers for two great events!
