Webinar: Invasives Management: New and Alternative Tools in the Toolbox

Invasives Management: New and Alternative Tools in the Toolbox

Three presenters will discuss alternative methods and upcoming technologies being used towards monitoring and managing invasive species.

Cheryl Post, Natural Environment Specialist, City of Toronto – Urban Forestry

In 2024, the City of Toronto (Urban Forestry) became the first municipality in Ontario to launch a comprehensive goat grazing program to address invasive species and enhance habitat diversity. The Prescribed Grazing Pilot Project was a significant success story, bringing over 60 goats to graze 3000 m2 of meadow habitat at Don Valley Brick Works Park. Prescribed grazing can address a variety of management concerns, including invasive species, woody vegetation encroachment, native plant regeneration, and soil improvement. It also provides ample opportunity for engagement and education. The City of Toronto is excited to be at the forefront of grazing in Ontario. Join us to learn more about the project, and this exciting and innovative approach to urban ecosystem management.

Paige Kuczmarski, Biocontrol Coordinator, Alberta Invasive Species Council

Join the Alberta Invasive Species Council (AISC) for a look at the evolution of its biocontrol program. This webinar will cover the history of biocontrol efforts in Alberta, key tools in AISC’s toolbox, and how these sustainable methods are used to control invasive species while minimizing environmental impact.

Emilia Stepinski, Environmental Engineer and Geospatial Technical Lead, Ramboll

Advancements in drone technology and artificial intelligence (AI) offer novel solutions for efficient, comprehensive site-wide analysis. This presentation will explore how drone imagery, combined with AI-powered imagery analysis can revolutionize the management of invasive plant species. Specifically, we will showcase two case studies focused on identifying Giant Hogweed in the UK and in New York State. These case studies will examine the benefits and drawbacks of using imagery for invasive species monitoring.

Click here to register.