Rocky View County will be hosting a weed legislation and identification workshop this June at the Indus Recreation Centre.
The purpose is to inform and educate people on identifying and removing various invasive weeds from their properties.
Laura Poile, agricultural services officer at Rocky View County, said the forum is open to those who are interested in herbicide application.
“General public can attend,” Poile said.
“But, it is more geared to those working in the field.”
Poile mentioned that contractors or outdoor summer employees with Rocky View County would be interested in attending.
Four experts in the field will speak to the public on various topics.
Among the speakers will be Dr. Mary Ann McLean from St. Mary’s University in Calgary, Forest Health Officer Brad Jones, Nicole Kimmel and Gayah Siesahai who are both from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.
A total of five pesticide applicator credits and five Certified Manager of Invasive Plants (CMIP) credits can be achieved for those working in the horticultural industry.
Tickets can be purchased online for $45 through pre-registration no later that May 28 at rockyview.ca/agricultureeventregistration.aspx.
Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $60.
The event is expected to go from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a lunch break around noon.
The workshop will be held June 4 at the Indus recreation centre at the junction of Highway 22X and Highway 791.
Topics to be covered:
• Thesium arvense, a new weed for concern? Hosted by Dr. Mary Ann Mclean of St. Mary’s University, Calgary
• What’s in those wildflower mixes? Nicole Kimmel, weed specialist, pest surveillance branch, Alberta agriculture and rural development.
• The weed control act and regulations by Gayah Sieusahai, pest regulator officer, pest surveillance branch, Alberta agriculture and rural development
• Hawkweed explosion in southwest Alberta by Brad Jones, forest health officer
• Know your prohibited noxious weeds by Nicole Kimmel
• A hands-on weed identification and quiz
