A free invasive plant seminar will be held at Foothills Equestrian Nature Center on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 9 a.m.

The seminar will cover information regarding exotic invasive plant species in North/South Carolina. The class will cover the common types of invasive plant species found in this area, how to identify them and how to eliminate them from your property.

After the seminar, join the group for a walk around the wildwood trail with John Vining, extension agent for Polk County, while he identifies invasive plants for us around the trail.

Exotic invasive species, originally planted as ornamental plants in gardens, often escape into native habitats causing havoc. Invasive plant species often choke out native species and decrease biodiversity.

It is important to identify what plants are considered invasive and harmful to the environment, so informed decisions can be made when planting home gardens. Participants will learn which native plants can be substituted for exotic species, so that homeowners and nature can live in harmony.

For more information, please contact FENCE at 828-859-9021 or education@fence.org.

– article submitted by Kristy Burja