RISE Educates the Public on Invasive Species in the Northeast

Source: www.TurfMagazine.com

HAMDEN, Conn. – On August 7, RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) joined plant science industry experts to share knowledge and build awareness of the importance of maintaining safe and healthy outdoor spaces, including private property, schools and community grounds, at the annual Plant Science day. The free, public event was hosted by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) at Lockwood Farm in Hamden, Conn.

RISE handed out various educational materials, including a poster with the latest information on common invasive species found in the Northeast United States. The poster includes a photo and description of harmful plants and insects, such as the Chinese Sumac, Giant Hogweed, Japanese Honeysuckle, and Sacred Bamboo, that can crowd out native plant species and potentially harm people who come near it.

In addition, RISE shared a children’s book, entitled “What’s Bugging You”, by Raymond Bial, and tick check cards to help raise awareness of tick-borne illness prevention in a state that has the highest number of Lyme disease cases caused by tick bites, relative to any other state, according to the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health.

The CAES is a nonprofit organization that provides education, prevention and support for plant science. It offers soil testing, plant and insect information, tick testing, mosquito surveillance, invasive aquatic plant information and inspections and regulations.