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Invasive Species & Roadside Maintenance - Chicopee

Date: 9/12/2024 8:30 AM - 9/12/2024 12:30 PM

Location: UMass Transportation Center Aviation & Research Training Center
27 Lonczak Street

Chicopee, Massachusetts

Capacity:

15/30


Overview

Course Description:

Invasive plants and insects can cause serious economic and environmental harm and can be spread inadvertently through transportation corridors. Once established, these species can complicate road work and impact nearby residents and businesses. This training session will provide attendees with an overview of the various challenges in managing invasive plants and insects, focusing on key species and effective strategies for prevention and control. Attendees will be given unique opportunities for hands-on experience in identifying and managing these invasive species using available specimens.

Portions of this training may take place outdoors. Please plan accordingly.

Target Audience:

Anyone who encounters or removes invasives in their work, public employees planning for vegetation management, those concerned about managing invasive plants during construction operations, and those managing roadside crews for routine vegetation management.

Accommodations for Disabilities: UMTC endeavors to provide an inclusive learning environment for all. If you require special services or arrangements to fully particle in this workshop, please email Caitlin Rachmaciej at crachmaciej@umass.edu or call 413-230-9517 at least 14 days prior to the event. Such services are provided free of charge. 

Also, if you have any dietary restrictions, please inform Caitlin at least 10 days prior to the event. 

 
Attendees
First Name Affiliation
Jaret Town of Royalston DPW
Audrey Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG)
Rich Town of Southwick DPW
Randy Town of Southwick DPW
Ryan Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG)
Alison Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC)
Kate Town of Tolland DPW
Rheal Town of Chesterfield Highway Department
Scott Town of Granville
Derek Town of Otis
Greg Town of Auburn Highway Division
Peter Town of Southborough
Matthew Town of Chesterfield Highway Department
Stephen Town of Shutesbury Highway Dept
Emma Town of Auburn Highway Division
Instructors
  • Elizabeth Barnes
    Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator at Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
    Elizabeth Barnes is the Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and previously worked as the Exotic Forest Pest Educator at Purdue University. She studied biology as an undergraduate at Mount Holyoke College and received her Doctorate in plant-insect interactions from the University of Denver where she studied tent caterpillars and fall webworms.
  • Jennifer Forman-Orth
    at MA Department of Agricultural Resources
    Jennifer Forman Orth is an Environmental Biologist for the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, where she works on a number of botanical and entomological issues, including insect pests, invasive plants, plant resources for pollinators, and mosquito control. Jennifer completed her Ph.D. at UMass Boston, where she studied the odd breeding system of Japanese knotweed. She also has a master’s degree from Boston University’s Center for Energy and Environmental Studies.
  • Tara Mitchell
    at MassDOT
    Tara Mitchell has been a landscape architect for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Highway Division for over 25 years. Her work includes ecologically focused plant designs for a variety of roadside projects, designing MassDOT native seed mixes, and writing contract specifications and plant related guidance. She oversees planting and invasive plant management on construction projects and assists the Maintenance Department with vegetation management. She is a member of the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture ROW Advisory Panel, Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group, and the Interagency Pollinator Habitat Working Group. She received an MLA from Cornell University.