Stephen F. Austin State University’s chapter of the National Association of Environmental Professionals will host its second annual environmental symposium from 9:30 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Saturday, March 28, in the Forestry Building, Room 117, on SFA’s campus.
This year’s event, “Invasive Species: Environmental Menace,” will present a range of experts from SFA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Texas A&M Forest Service and the University of Texas at Arlington, who will address the history, effects and status of invasive species locally and across the country.
“We use the symposiums as a way to spread awareness of important ecological topics throughout the community,” said Elena Thomas, NAEP president. “Invasive species are one of the most important issues affecting both our local and global community.”
Thomas and NAEP vice president Mallorie Nicholson said the symposium also will focus on viable solutions to the problems posed by invasive species. Individual species to be addressed include: exotic earthworms, zebra mussels, soapberry and the emerald ash borer.
Dr. Shiyou Li, research professor and director of the National Center for Pharmaceutical Crops in SFA’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, also will discuss his groundbreaking research on endocide usage to effectively control giant salvinia, as well as its potential for broader applications in invasive species management.
Lunch will be included in the $10 non-student and $8 student registration fee. Tickets may be purchased on the college’s website atcofa.sfasu.edu, or on campus in the Forestry Building, Room 103. The final day for registration will be Wednesday, March 25.
For more information, contact Thomas at telena92@yahoo.com or Dr. Kenneth Farrish, Arnold Distinguished Professor and director of SFA’s Division of Environmental Science, at kfarrish@sfasu.edu.
