Scott County CISMA hosting meetings and events on invasive species

Scott County Purdue Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Tom Springstun, has announced a series of upcoming events focused on invasive species through the newly forming Scott County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA).

Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, or insects that cause harm to the economy, environment, or human health. One prominent example in Scott County is bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii). This aggressive shrub outcompetes native plants, depletes soil quality, and reduces food sources for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

Community members will have the opportunity to learn more during an educational meeting on Thursday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. at Scottsburg High School. The evening will include presentations on local invasive species issues and community-based solutions. Dinner will be provided.

RSVP at forms.gle/wpo1y9w6gCjGByfeA or by contacting Kaila Laplace at Kaila@sicim.info. Residents are also encouraged to share their input through a short survey at forms.gle/LwyzewhreYXZvYHv7.

The county’s first official CISMA meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 6 p.m. at the Scott County Fairgrounds. This meeting will focus on organizing efforts and addressing invasive species concerns across the county.

For those interested in hands-on work, the group will host a Weed Wrangle on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Pigeon Roost Memorial site on Highway 31, just south of Scottsburg. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants and restore native habitat.

These events are open to all community members who want to learn more and take part in protecting Scott County’s natural resources.