Invasions on all sides: Learn what to do

When it comes to dealing with invasive species, a well informed Californian is well armed one.

This fall the UC Integrated Pest Management program aims to help more state residents become well informed about the many species that threaten our trees, our waterways and our wildlands.

A four-part 2025 Invasive Species Mini Series of webinars will be presented on the first Wednesday of the month, beginning Sept. 3 and concluding Dec. 3. The webinars, which will run from 11 a.m. to noon, are free and open to the public, but registration is required.

All webinars will be recorded and available for later viewing on YouTube.

The mini-series is the work of UC IPM’s Urban and Community Team. “Invasive species are reshaping California’s natural and urban landscapes,” they note. “This mini-series explores the many fronts of invasion, from harmful garden pests and aquatic hitchhikers to destructive tree pests, invasive weeds, and the policies that guide prevention and response.”

The topics by month will be:

— Sept. 3. “Protect California’s Waters from Invasive Species,” including a discussion of invasive species such as golden mussels and nutria. The speaker will be Dominique Norton from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Invasive Species Program.

— Oct. 1. “The Growing Threat to Our Trees,” with information on how to identify the pests that already have killed hundreds of California trees. Forestry expert Beatriz Nobua-Behrmann will be the speaker. 

—  Nov. 5. “Weeds, Wildlands, & Wildfires,” with invasive-plant expert Chris McDonald. He will discuss the impacts of invasive weeds, which can affect biodiversity and increase the risk of wildfires.

— Dec. 3. “How Invasive Pests Are Managed in California,” which is described as a look behind the scenes at how California agencies are managing invasive pests.  California Department of Food and Agriculture experts will cover invasive species prevention strategies, success stories, and current management efforts, including CDFA’s biological control program.

More information on the webinars and registration links can be found here. Registration for each webinar is done separately.