Learn how to spot and stop invasive plants
The Fort Myers Beach Public Library is hosting an essential training for every local resident and property owner on Jan. 10: Learn How to Spot and Stop Invasive Plants on Our Barrier Island, presented by Master Gardener Volunteers.
This informative FREE session is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The event will take place at the Fort Myers Beach Public Library, located at 2755 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. Registration is strongly recommended, as space may be limited. Register today at the FMB Library (#239-765-8162) to secure your spot or on EventBrite.
https://Spot-N-Stop-InvasivesFMB.eventbrite.com
Southwest Florida’s lush environment, especially our barrier islands, is constantly under threat from aggressive invasive plants. These unwelcome guests can quickly take over landscapes, outcompete our vital native species, and disrupt local ecosystems. Understanding how to identify and manage them is crucial for preserving the biodiversity and health of our unique environment.
The Master Gardener Volunteers, trained through the University of Florida/IFAS Extension, will lead an engaging and practical training designed to equip you with the knowledge you need to become an active participant in conservation. The session will focus on three key areas:
• Identification: Learn to confidently spot the most common and problematic invasive plants threatening our barrier island.
• The “Why They Are Bad”: The presentation will delve into the serious environmental and economic consequences of these invaders, explaining how they harm natural habitats and even impact property values.
• Source Awareness: Participants will learn to stay away from invasive plants often sold unintentionally at local box stores and garden centers, ensuring your purchases are not contributing to the problem.
Crucially, you will learn how do best deal with invasive plants taking over your property.
Sheryl van der Heiden, Residential Horticulture Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Lee County, highlights the proactive nature of this event. “Prevention is the most cost-effective solution when dealing with invasive species,” she notes. “By teaching homeowners how to spot these problems and avoid planting them, we are empowering them to stop the problem before it starts and make informed decisions that benefit the entire ecosystem.”
This is a fantastic opportunity to directly support your local ecosystem and learn gardening practices that are truly beneficial for Fort Myers Beach. As van der Heiden often advises, “We want consumers
to avoid plants that can be costly burdens to our economy, environment and society.” Attending this training is the first step in making sustainable choices for your landscape.
Don’t miss out on this chance to learn from the experts and help keep our barrier island community green and healthy.
Mariana Pardo and Rose Larkin are Master Gardener Volunteers with UF/IFAS Lee County Extension. You can contact Mariana and other Master Gardener Volunteers with your gardening questions at fynlee@ifas.ufl.edu or call (239)533-7505 to leave a message. Follow the extension service on Instagram at @lee_ufifas and on Facebook at UF IFAS Ext – Lee County. The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution