The Damariscotta River Association (DRA) is hosting an invasive plant identification and management class on Friday, October 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. This class will be taught by led by Nancy Olmstead, invasive plant biologist from the Maine Natural Areas Program. She will cover plant identification of some of the most common invasive species in the Midcoast region and provide a brief overview of management options.

An invasive plant is a plant that is not native to an area, whose introduction causes, or has the potential to cause harm - be it economic, environmental or harm to human health. Approximately one third of the species in this area are not native. Of those plants that are not native, only a small fraction of them are considered invasive, but these have the potential to cause great harm to our landscape. 

While all non-native plants can efficiently out-compete native species for sunlight, nutrients, and space, invasive plants can cause additional harm by altering animal habitat through elimination of native foods, decreasing available cover, and destroying nesting opportunities. The aggressive growth of invasive plants can decrease agricultural productivity, affect forest regeneration, impact recreational opportunities, and decrease property values. Invasive species are the second-greatest threat to global biodiversity after loss of habitat.

The program will convene at the DRA Heritage Center at 110 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta. The program is open to all and free of charge.

For more information call 207-563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or view their web site at www.damariscottariver.org.