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Rooted in Research, USDA Forest Service: Non-native species are increasingly shaping forests across the eastern United States. While many introduced species coexist without major disruption, some become invasive: damaging ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and impacting the economic value forests provide. Over the past decade, the extent of forest land affected by invasive species has continued to grow, making management more complex and costly.

To address these challenges, the USDA Forest Service Research and Development team is hosting a six-part webinar series focused on invasive species in eastern forests. This series brings together leading scientists to share research-backed management strategies and explore the ecological and economic impacts of invasive species across the region.

These are virtual webinars that will be held on select Tuesdays and Thursdays in May. Each webinar will be ~60 minutes and start at 2:00 PM Eastern time. All events are open to anyone interested in forest health, conservation and management!

Here is the schedule for the upcoming webinars:

1. May 5 – Invasive Species in Eastern Forests: Extent, Impact, and Response
2. May 7 – Managing Invasive Plants: Understanding Rapid Adaptation and Strategies for Control 
3. May 12 – Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Protecting Hemlocks with Silviculture and Biocontrol 
4. May 14 – Management Solutions for Emerald Ash Borer 
5. May 19 – Tracking Spongy Moth Defoliations and the Economics of Slowing the Spread 
6. May 21 – Emerging Threats: Asian Needle Ant and Beech Leaf Disease 

Participants must register for each webinar individually, visit to Research & Development Presents: Invasive Species in Eastern Forests learn more and sign up.

Forests play a critical role in supporting biodiversity, protecting water resources, and contributing to local and regional economies. As invasive species continue to spread, understanding how to manage and mitigate their impacts is more important than ever. This webinar series provides an opportunity to learn directly from experts working at the forefront of forest research.

To subscribe to the newsletter, visit Sign Up for Rooted in Research.

Learn and read more about the research done by the USDA Forest Service by exploring the Northern Research Station and Southern Research Station.

More Resources
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store
New Hope for Fighting Ash Borer, Got Nature? Purdue Extension-FNR
Invasive Pest Species: Tools for Staging and Managing EAB in the Urban Forest, Got Nature?
Emerald Ash Borer, Purdue Extension-Entomology
Emerald Ash Borer Tools & Resources – Purdue Extension Entomology

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, Research & Development

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