Impacts of invasive insects on communities will be focus of upcoming conference

Invasive insects have become an increasing problem for urban, suburban, and even rural communities across the U.S. and some areas of Canada.

To address these issues, the U.S. Forest Service, The Morton Arboretum, The Nature Conservancy, and Purdue University have come together to host an important conference this fall near Chicago.

The two-day conference called "Coping with the Costs: The Economic, Social and Environmental Impacts of Invasive Insects on our Communities," will be held at The Morton Arboretum in the Chicago area, September 29-30.

The focus of the conference is to develop and share strategies for communities facing or anticipating the economic, social, and environmental impacts of invasive pests. These destructive insects include the emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, gypsy moth, and others.

This forum will be of interest to a broad spectrum of green industry, municipal, governmental, and educational institutions and will in particular connect managers of invasive pest-affected communities and any group that is interested in these issues with potential resources. Public, private, corporate, and institutional land managers will be offered tools and networking opportunities that will assist them with economic impacts, minimizing further tree loss and promoting tree restoration.

The conference will feature presentations and panel discussions by regional and national experts, as well as provide networking opportunities.

Topics during the full-day session on September 29^th will include a wide variety of invasive species-related subjects. On September 30^th, the morning session will feature speakers on topics such as long-term management and restoration/replanting. The second half of this day will feature a tour of nearby EAB infested sites.

At the end of the first day session, The Morton Arboretum will offer a guided tour of the arboretum at no further cost.

The forum is open to the public, and will be of special interest to mayors, public works directors, city planners, state partners, green industry representatives, green organization members and educators. Registration and conference fees are required.

For more information about the conference call Judy Antipin at 610-557-4183 or visit: http://www.mortonarb.org/adult-programs/seminars-a-workshops.html. Registration for the conference will begin in early August through The Morton Arboretum's website at www.mortonarb.org. Fees for the conference will be listed on the website.