Invasive species experts, students, land managers and interested community members are invited to the 5th Annual Kentucky Invasive Plant Conference on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET at the Perkins Center on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). On-site registration opens at 8:30 a.m. ET. The conference is partially sponsored by the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. 

“This conference will be a great opportunity for professionals and the public alike to learn more about invasive plants and how we can better manage them,” said the University of Kentucky’s Ellen Crocker, associate professor of Forest Health Extension in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. “It will also be a good opportunity to network and hear about exciting opportunities in the future.” 

The conference opens with welcome remarks from Crocker and Jess Slade of the Kentucky Natural Lands Trust. Morning talks will cover current issues and practical tools for managing invasive plants across Kentucky. The University of Cincinnati’s Theresa Culley will discuss how extreme weather, including tornadoes, influences the dynamics of invasive plants. Cody Rhoden of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will share findings on the effects of fire on common invasive species in the state.  

Following a brief break, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ Jeff Herod will outline methods and data resources for locating aquatic invasives and provide an update on the revision of Kentucky’s Aquatic Nuisance Species Plan. EKU assistant professor Sally Chambers will highlight how herbaria support research and tracking, and Culley will return to address the role of public gardens as sentinels for invasive plants. 

A catered lunch will feature a poster session showcasing new research and on-the-ground projects from across the Commonwealth. After lunch, Kasia Bradley and Anna Claire Rogers of Kentucky State University will present conference awards. Crocker and Slade will then guide attendees through a brief survey and provide information on continuing education units (CEUs). 

Afternoon programming offers concurrent, hands-on sessions from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Participants may choose one of the following: the Taylor Fork Ecological Area as a student training site for invasive species management; field visits to EKU’s Tudor Farm or Cardinal Lane; a tour of EKU’s Herbarium; an indoor visit to the Bluegrass Army Depot; or a guided visit to Floracliff Nature Sanctuary. Space is limited in some sessions; selection will be made during earlier check-in, as capacity allows. 

Registration is $75 and includes membership in the Kentucky Invasive Plant Council (KYIPC). Those who joined or renewed KYIPC membership since July 2025 receive a $35 discount ($40 registration). Students receive a $50 discount ($25 registration). 

“Invasive plants cause major problems across Kentucky from backyards, farms and the Commonwealth’s woodland,” Crocker said. “Natural areas are all facing threats from these non-native plants, and this conference is one way we are helping combat this problem.” 

To learn more about the conference, visit https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/Invasive-Plant-Conference.  

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Writer: Jordan Strickler, jstrickler@uky.edu       

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.