Join us for a panel discussion of the impact of invasive plants species on local forests. This is the third of three conversations on declining biodiversity in Upper Valley forests. Join us in person in the Mayer Room or online via Zoom. No registration required in person; register for Zoom here.

This program is co-sponsored by the Hanover Conservation Commission/Biodiversity Committee, the Howe Library, and numerous partners.

Deer overbrowse allows aggressive non-native plants that deer won't eat to invade our forests. These non-native plants impact wildlife habitat and diversity in the forest understory and can be challenging to remove. Speakers will discuss how to plan, prioritize, budget and recruit public support for efforts in removing these invaders, as well as what can replace these species. 

Panel:

•    Steve Mortillo, Natural Resources Program Lead, Saint Gaudens National Historical Park and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
•    Markus Bradley, Redstart Forestry 
•    Li Shen, Thetford Conservation Commission: Funding for invasive plants removal 
•    Lynnwood Andrews, Norwich Conservation Commission: Restoration of the Milt Frye Nature Area
•    Pattie Fried, Mascoma Lakeside Park Restoration Program in Enfield
•    Barbara McIlroy, Hanover Conservation Commission Biodiversity Committee: Neighborhood project on invasive species

Moderator: Sarah Riley, Chair, Lebanon Conservation Commission