The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) invites landowners to learn how to spot and identify common invasive plants on Saturday, June 8 starting at 10 a.m. as part of a two-part series on invasive plant management. Join stewardship consultant Cheri Brunault at a KELT conservation easement property, Schulten Farm in Woolwich, for an introduction to invasive plant identification. Brunault will introduce participants to a number of invasive plants that can be found in local forests and fields. This free, light rain or shine event is great for land owners with large or small properties looking to pare back these unwanted plants.

This first program in the series will provide residents and property managers with identification tips for common invasive species. Invasive plants such as multiflora rose, Japanese knotweed, or oriental bittersweet, were brought to the area many years ago as ornamental plants in gardens, but quickly spread into the wild. They can be a common sight on old farms and homesteads like the Schulten Farm. These invading species can crowd out other native plants and trees and destroy food sources of wildlife. Registration is strongly encouraged at www.kennebecestuary.org or 207-442-8400. Driving directions and details will be sent to registrants before the program.

The second program in the invasive series will be held later this summer. Brunault will return for a program on Saturday, August 24 starting at 9:30 a.m. and will demonstrate methods that can be used to treat invasive plants using manual or chemical means at KELT’s Sewall Wood Preserve in Bath. Registration is required at www.kennebecestuary.org or 207-442-8400.

If you are interested in finding out more about invasive plants, the Maine Natural Areas Program has images and fact sheets for a variety of the invasive plants in Maine. These resources can be found at: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/invasive_plants/invasives.htm.

For more information, visit www.kennebecestuary.org or call (207) 442-8400.