UW Extension to Host Invasive Grass, Weed Workshops in Gillette, Sheridan, Sundance

Workshops about invasive grasses and weeds are scheduled in early May in Gillette, Sheridan and Sundance.

Sponsored by University of Wyoming Extension, the free public workshops -- all covering the same topics -- are scheduled for 3-6 p.m. in:

-- Gillette: Tuesday, May 3, George Amos Memorial Building, Cottonwood Room.

-- Sheridan: Tuesday, May 10, UW Extension Center, 1090 Dome Loop.

-- Sundance: Tuesday, May 17, Crook County Courthouse, Community Room.

The workshops are for those wishing to learn more about how to identify and control the invasive species, and to learn about their economic effects.

The list of invasive grasses found in Wyoming includes medusahead, ventenata, cheatgrass and bulbous bluegrass; weeds include Canadian thistle and leafy spurge.

“Invasive species are one of the biggest problems that producers are facing,” says Alex Orozco-Lopez, the agriculture and natural resources educator for UW Extension in Crook County.

He says invasive species can reduce forage availability, quality and species diversity, as well as have an economic impact in reducing the forage available for livestock and wildlife.

“The most effective way of controlling these species is through early detection and managing them early to keep them from spreading,” Orozco-Lopez says. “Workshops will help identify these species and provide information on cost-effective ways of managing invasive species.”

Snacks, water and sodas will be available to participants. Each workshop offers three continuing education hours for commercial pesticide license holders.

For more information about the workshops, email Orozco-Lopez at aorozcol@uwyo.edu or Jaycie Arndt, UW Extension assistant educator in Sheridan County, at jarndt1@uwyo.edu.