Thursday, June 15, 2023
Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants - presented by the Ga Exotic Pest Plant Council
Ben Ackerly and Tim Daly
Time and Session Location
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Peachtree AB
CEUs Available (Pending Approval)
NC Contractor & GCLP
Cost:
included with conference ticket
What You Will Learn:
Invasive plants are non-native species that can cause harm to the environment, human health, and the economy. They can displace native plant species, disrupt ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and cause problems like erosion and flooding. One way to combat invasive plants is by using native plant alternatives. This presentation will cover practical information on which native plants can replace invasive plants commonly found in gardens, parks, and other landscapes, and it will offer tips on how to sell native plants to homeowners and business owners that typically ask for the bare minimum landscaping options. We will attempt to cover: Some benefits of using native plants, some identification of invasive plants, choosing the right native plants to replace invasive species, designing and planting with native plants, and a brief discussion of how to maintain native plantings.
More About the Presenter (s):
Ben Ackerley loves plants. As a horticulturist and garden designer living in Atlanta, Georgia, Ben is on a mission to share horticultural knowledge and passion for gardening with others through the new online platform at iloveplants.com. Ben discovered this passion for plants while living in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was fortunate enough to study Horticulture at the University of Cincinnati. After working in horticulture at Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Ben moved south to Atlanta and worked at the Atlanta Botanical Garden before moving to Decatur to manage Woodlands Garden of Decatur. Ben is currently working to create a library of educational content that will inspire new and seasoned gardeners alike.
Tim Daly has been employed in the green industry in a variety of roles since 1987. In 2006, Tim joined UGA Extension as the ANR County Extension Agent in Gwinnett County, GA. He specializes in plant pest diagnostics, soil fertility, tree care, indoor pest control, pesticide applications and management, regulations affecting pesticides and soil conservation, turfgrass management, and erosion and sediment control. He also has an interest in row crop agriculture and invasive species management. Last year, after many years in Gwinnett, Tim accepted the Henry County ANR Extension Agent position.