Invasive Plant Species – Management and Control with Jim Hurley of Blue Ridge PRISM

Join Blue Ridge PRISM and the Oak Spring Garden Foundation for the first in a series of three workshops in 2022 to learn about the identification, impact and control of invasive plant species common to Northern Virginia. The workshop will take place on the Rokeby Farm parcel of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation. Topics to be covered will include: the identification of common invasive plant species, the timing and practical application of available treatment methods and other issues related to the management of current and potential future invasive plant species. Instructs are Jim Hurley and experienced members of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) staff including Curtis Wurth, Clif Brown and Martin Hamilton.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/invasive-plant-species-management-and-control-tickets-222013116207

Following a classroom theory session, participants will gain some hands-on experience identifying and learning treatment application methods. Participants can expect to walk about 2 miles over uneven terrain. Sturdy walking shoes or boots as well as proper outdoor clothing are recommended.

This field course is geared toward land managers and large land owners but all are welcome.

Location

Rokeby Farm – Quadrangle Classroom
8622 Mill Reef Road
Middleburg, VA 20117

Instructors

Jim is a Master Naturalist, Tree Steward, a member of the Virginia Noxious Weed Advisory Committee, and Board Member of the Virginia Native Plant Society. Twenty years ago, concerned about the link between widespread degraded habitat and declining bird populations, Jim began working on introduced plant invasions in natural areas, first with private properties and public parks in Northern Virginia. For more information about Blue Ridge PRISM please visit their website at https://blueridgeprism.org .

Curtis Wurth has 27 years working experience on the property. He joined OSGF in 2017 and currently leads the Invasive Management Control Team. Curtis also works closely with Blue Ridge PRISM and is a member of the North America Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA).

Clif Brown began working on the property in 1988 and has been the Head of Arboriculture, Conservation and Landscapes (ACL) team since its inception in 2014.

Martin Hamilton joined OSGF as the Head of Plant, Garden and Landscape Programs in mid-2021. He is a woody plant specialist with a PhD in Biology from Birkbeck, University of London. Martin trained at Bernheim Arboretum in Kentucky and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in the UK that has over 25 years of practical horticulture experience.

Coffee/tea/water and light snacks will be available.

Please Note: Guests are requested to NOT bring any plant material.

COVID-19 Policy and Requirements

The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) is committed to the health and safety of our on-site staff and visitors. OSGF strives to comply with CDC, state, and federal recommendations and guidelines, acknowledging that these guidelines are changing rapidly as new information becomes available and further research is conducted. OSGF reserves the right to modify this policy at any time to adapt to changing circumstances and business needs.

At this time, OSGF requires all guests to be vaccinated including a booster (if eligible) prior to visiting our site. A completed self-certification form regarding vaccination and health status will be required upon arrival. Masks are required to be worn when indoors or when social distancing is not possible.