Episode 166: Managing Invasive Plants

Invasive plants are a serious ecological concern. Without natural predators, they push out native plants and the wildlife that depend on them. In Connecticut, there are more than 100 identified invasive plants. Members of UConn Extension’s Sustainable Landscape Program began the development of an invasive plant certificate program in 2024. In early 2026, the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources began offering a new online certificate program that educates residents how to identify and manage invasive plants in the state. Our guest today is Lauren Kurtz, the newest member of the Home and Garden Education Center, who talks about the dangers of invasive plants and what can be done to deal with them. The course will be offered again next winter.