Invasive Species Summit
University of Illinois Extension, River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area, Southern Illinois University, and Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge are working with many other partners to host this two-day event to learn more about the ecology, impacts, and management of invasive Japanese Chaff Flower (Achyranthes japonica).
The summit includes both virtual presentations from experienced researchers and managers on August 12 and field tours to see infestations in-person and learn from professionals actively engaged in managing this species on August 13. Four different field tours are available across the range of chaff flower, plus a virtual tour option for those that cannot attend a field tour in person. The summit is free and open to the public.
The summit is free and open to the public.
August 12, 2021 (10 AM - 2:30 PM Central)
10:00 - 10:50am - Background Information
- 10:00 -10:10 AM - Introductions and Welcome (Nick Seaton, River to River CWMA)
- 10:10 -10:50 AM - Japanese Chaff Flower Identification, Ecology and Distribution (Chris Evans, University of Illinois)
10:50 - 11:00am - Break
11:00am - 12:00pm - Research Updates
- 11:00 - 11:10 AM - Animal Relations with Chaff Flower (Nick Seaton, River to River CWMA)
- 11:10 - 11:45 AM - Japanese Chaff Flower Populations Grow Fast and are Evolving (David Gibson, Southern Illinois University Carbondale)
- 11:45 AM - Noon - Prescribed Fire Effects on the Invasive Species Achyranthes japonica (Japanese Chaff Flower) in Southern Illinois (Charles Ruffner, Southern Illinois University Carbondale)
12:00 - 12:30 PM- Break for Lunch
12:30 - 1:30pm - Management Experience
- 12:30 - 12:50 PM- Japanese Chaff Flower Discovered on Canadian Island (Rachel Windsor, Parks Canada)
- 12:50 - 1:10 PM- Treating Chaff Flower Among a Rare Look Alike (Jason Larson, Indiana DNR, Division of Nature Preserves)
- 1:10 - 1:30p PM - Safe and effective management strategies for Achyranthes japonica (Japanese Chaff flower) using herbicides (Walter Bland, Rock Spring Restorations)
1:30 - 1:35 PM - Break
1:35 - 2:35 PM - Panel Discussion and Closing Session
- 1:35 - 2:25 PM- Speaker Panel Discussion (Moderator - Kevin Rohling, University of Illinois)
- 2:25 - 2:30 PM- Closing Remarks and Instructions (Nick Seaton, River to River CWMA)
August 13, 2021 - Field Tours
Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife Area (Southern Indiana)
9:00 AM - Noon Central
Daniel Boone National Forest (East Central Kentucky)
Multiple sessions available (8 AM, 10 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PMEastern)
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge (Southern Illinois)
9:00 AM - Noon Central
Deepdene Park and Piedmont Park (Atlanta, Georgia)
10:00 AM - Noon Eastern
Virtual Chaff Flower Tour (Online!)
9:00 - 10:00 AM Central
Details and full event agenda can be found on the Event Registration Page.
