WATERBORO — An organizer of an upcoming forum says most experts agree that invasive species have become a major environmental problem and a strain on the economy.
Prevention and remediation have strained budgets, and the problem seems to be getting worse. Can anything be done about invasive species? The answer is yes.
Massabesic Middle School is hosting the Invasive Species Forum on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The purpose is to not only learn about the problem of invasive species, but to also actually do something about it. The forum will feature a wide variety of participants, including scientists, researchers and experts from the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Department of Environmental Protection, University of New England, University of Southern Maine, University of Maine at Orono, University of Maine at Machias, The Downeast Institute, York County Soil and Water Conservation District, Waterboro Historical Society and Waterboro Fire Department.
Middle school science teacher Pat Parent, who was recognized for his contributions to science educaiton last year by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, said it is clear that early detection is key in controlling the spread of invasive species and that citizen science plays a key role in this.
“Our forum is unique in several ways,” said Parent. “It will, no doubt, be very informative, as we will have an all-star cast of invasive species experts sharing their knowledge. The main goal of the forum goes well beyond [just educating people about invasive species], as students will also work to engage community members in citizen science, recruiting individuals to join a team involved in several essential and timely data collection missions that will be utilized and valued by experts.”
The public is invited to learn about invasive species.
For more information, contact Pat Parent at patrickparent@rsu57.org or 247-6121, ext. 3218.
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