Training Overview:

This workshop on invasive plants is intended to teach the background biology of invasive plants and how they have become invasive. Additionally, basic plant identification methods will be covered along with identifying good resources for understanding the biology of problem plants. The last major object of the class will be to discuss general control techniques and how to use them in different farm situations. Please feel free to bring any samples of unknown problem plants from your farm, most woody plants can be identified in winter condition (just no poison ivy please!).

 

Trainer Bio:

Bryan Connolly holds a B.A. from the University of Vermont, and a M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut. Previous to his appointment as an Assistant Professor at Framingham State University, he served as the Massachusetts State Botanist for the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Bryan also was the volunteer coordinator for the Invasive Plant Atlas of New England (IPANE). He has consulted for the Guilford Land Trust and the CT DEEP. He has also taught botany, plant science, and environmental studies classes at Connecticut College and the University of Connecticut. He is a past President of the New England Botanical Club, and also co-owns Cobblestone Farm CSA with his wife Diane Dorfer in Mansfield Center, CT.