From 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, June 30, at 8 Oak Point Road, Boothbay Harbor, join the Boothbay Region Land Trust for a talk and walk on invasive plants. 

Have you ever wondered why folks are worried about “invasive plants” or how they got here in the first place? Join Hildy Ellis to learn about the plants “from away” that are escaping from our yards and gardens, disturbing our natural ecosystems, and replacing the native vegetation that defines our region and on which wildlife depends. Using slides and samples, you will learn how to recognize some of the key invasives in our area — and some to watch out for — as well as explore control and prevention strategies. Ellis will also review the proposed state rule that would prohibit the importation, propagation or sale of terrestrial plants considered invasive or potentially invasive by the Maine Dept. Of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

Bring samples to ID, a magnifying glass or hand lens for a close-up look, and your questions. Following the indoor program, we will go outside to see invasive plants in a landscape situation. Group size is limited and registration is required.

Ellis is Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District Coordinator. She received a BS in horticulture from the University of Maine and also conducted a graduate study of an invasive population of Euonymus alatus (burning bush) at Ovens Mouth Preserve in Boothbay. While at UMaine, she also participated in the production of the brochure, “Conserving Maine's Natural Landscape: Plants to Plant, Plants to Avoid.” Before coming to Knox-Lincoln SWCD, Ellis was the education coordinator at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope, Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Maine Invasive Species Network.

For more information or to register, contact BRLT Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org or call the office at 633-4818.