GLIN==> IL-IN Sea Grant News: You're Invited to Help Stop Invasive Plants in Indiana

[Irene Miles <miles@uiuc.edu>]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
November 27, 2006
Source: Kristin TePas (847) 872-0141; ktepas@uiuc.edu
 
You're Invited to Help Stop Invasive Plants in Indiana 
 
URBANA - In Indiana, as in most states, invasive aquatic plants are
taking root, posing serious threats to the state's ecological and
economic health. At an upcoming workshop, you will have an opportunity to
help solve this problem.
 
Aquatic plant growers, retailers and enthusiasts (including aquarists and
water gardeners) are invited to share ideas on what Indiana should do to
prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants that are commercially
available. This free half-day workshop, sponsored by Illinois-Indiana Sea
Grant (IISG), the Great Lakes Commission and the Indiana Department of
Natural Resources, will take place on January 10, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m
as part of the Indiana Green Expo.
 
"We will overview the issues related to invasive species and
describe what is currently being done in Indiana and other Great Lake
states," said Kristin TePas, IISG aquatic invasives extension
associate. "Then participants will have an opportunity to propose
ideas on how we might further address the problem."
 
"Who better to come up with ideas than those who know how the plant
and aquarium industries work?" said TePas. "Their input is
vital to the process of creating a management plan."
 
The Indiana Green Expo will take place at the Indiana Convention Center
in Indianapolis. The expo runs January 10-12 and features over 80
educational speakers and 300 trade show booths in the landscaping,
nursery and turf businesses. 
 
If you are interested in attending the invasive plants workshop, please
register by December 20. Space is limited and pre-registering reserves
you a free box lunch. Registration forms are available online at
www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/events/expo/reg07.pdf.
If you would like more information about the workshop, contact TePas at
847-871-0141.

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The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program is one of more than 30
National Sea Grant College Programs. Created by Congress in 1966, Sea
Grant combines university, government, business and industry expertise to
address coastal and Great Lakes needs.  Funding is provided by the
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of
Commerce, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Purdue
University at West Lafayette, Indiana.

Irene Miles
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
376 NSRC
1101 W. Peabody Dr.
Urbana, Il 61801
(217) 333-8055
FAX (217) 333-8046