PA Sea Grant, Partners Offer Choose Native Plants Workshops For Landscape Professionals In Erie, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia

The PA Sea Grant Program and Penn State Extension are now accepting registrations for three Choose Native Plants Workshops for landscapers and water gardeners in Erie, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in March.

Landscaping and water gardening activities often lead to the unintended introduction and spread of invasive plant species to our land and waterways. 

Once established, invasive species can degrade natural habitats by outcompeting native species for space, light, and nutrients. 

Invasive species can impact the food web by altering the plant community and decreasing the diversity of plants available for food sources, habitat, and shelter.

Preventing invasive plant introductions by utilizing native alternatives in landscaping and water gardening is a viable solution. 

The Choose Native workshops will introduce participants to the native species options, creative ways to include native species, management strategies for existing invasive species, and creating a management plan for native species in landscapes and water gardens.

Schedule

The workshops will be held--

-- March 5 - Erie: Tom Ridge Environmental Center. Questions: Amber Stilwell  ars26@psu.edu.   Click Here to register.

-- March 7 - Philadelphia: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Questions: Zach Nemec zmn5053@psu.edu.   Click Here to register.

-- March 8 - Pittsburgh: Buffalo Inn, South Park.  Questions: Justin Mansberger jxm5608@psu.edu.   Click Here to register.

Capacity is limited. Please register by February 5 to claim your space.  Preference will be given to the professional landscaping audience. All other applicants will be placed on a waiting list.

Additional Benefits

Attendees are eligible for--

-- 15% discount for Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Level 1 Course

-- International Society of Arboriculture Credits

-- PDA Certified Pesticide Applicator Recertification Credits

-- Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional CEUs

-- Sustainable Landscape Certification CEUs

-- Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturist CEUs

-- Copy of the Choose Native: Pennsylvania publication coming soon in 2024

The workshops are hosted by Pennsylvania Sea Grant, Penn State Extension, Great Lakes Commission, NOAA and regional partners, with funding from the Richard King Mellon Foundation.

Visit the PA Sea Grant Choose Native Plants Workshops webpage for more information.

Related Articles:

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-- Protecting Clean Water Together: What’s The Big Deal About Water Anyway? - By Carol Hillestad for the Brodhead Watershed Association   [PaEN] 

-- Water At Risk Series: The Brodhead Watershed Association Helps Monroe County Municipalities Protect Clean Water - How About Yours? - By Carol Hillestad for the Brodhead Watershed Association   [PaEN]

-- PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers Hosts Jan. 12 In-Person Workshop On Climate Art And Networking For Watershed Leaders & Stewards  [PaEN]

-- Penn State Extension Hosts Jan. 29 Webinar On Green Infrastructure And Salty Stormwater  [PaEN] 

[Posted: January 3, 2024]  PA Environment Digest