Part 1:

Early Season Identification

Monday 15 April 2024: 10 am  – 1 pm

at Lampson Brook Farm,

275 Jackson Street, Belchertown, MA

David Stanley will lead us on a hands-on workshop. We will tour parts of Lampson Brook Farm in Belchertown, using it as a living school model from which to learn to apply techniques and skills to your own property. This is the first of a multi-step program on farm stewardship against invasive plants.

David has over 40 years of experience working in Integrated Pest Management [IPM] and over 20 years as a science educator.

Part 1: Monday, April 15, 2024: Identification and marking of invasive plants. We will focus on the more pernicious species, such as multiflora rose, prior to leafing out. We will discuss options for control, according to plant type, morphology and growth strategy.

Control options will be consistent with an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. Conventional and mechanical (organic-friendly) methods will be discussed.

To register, please contact Sara Weil

Email: [email protected] Tel: 413-323-4531

Suggested donation $20, all welcome.

Plan to dress appropriately (bring work gloves) and to take precautions against tick exposure and thorns.

Please, spread the word about the workshop! Downloadable flyer is available in upper right corner of this page. Thank you.

Proceeds to benefit the New England Small Farm Institute, a 501(c)3 non-profit. NESFI promotes and supports regenerative and sustainable small-scale farming by providing resources and opportunity for beginning and transitioning farmers.

Parts 2 and 3: Dates to be determined.

Part 2 will be timed according to the expected bloom date of multiflora rose. Cultural practices, such as cutting the stem, are more effective if the plant has used up most of its root reserves as it tries to get ready for flowering and fruiting. It is best to control invasive plants before bloom so they miss the opportunity to spread their seeds.

For Part 3, we will check on the results of Part 2 control measures and attempt to follow suit with other pernicious invasive plants as they enter the pre-bloom period. We will also discuss the various control measures used including tools and whether or not the plant should be removed.