People interested in becoming a Certified Weed Warrior for the Allegheny National Forest are invited to participate in a training session on April 17 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Slater Room in the Warren Public Library.

The training will include an introduction to invasive plants, their impacts on wildlife and other plants, identification, and control practices. The training will lead to certification as a Weed Warrior after participation in one of the upcoming Weed Warrior events.

Forest botanists have selected locations on the Allegheny NF where volunteers can work on their own to help control non-native invasive plants.

People interested in becoming a Weed Warrior, but not able to attend the training on April 17, may still learn about the Weed Warrior program by attending any of the Weed Warrior scheduled events:

· April 26: Garlic Mustard Pull and Picnic Lunch at Buckaloons Recreation Area;

· July 12: Purple Loosestrife Removal and Picnic Lunch at Point Park (Warren); and

· September 27: Invasive plant Pull and Picnic Lunch at the Buckaloons Recreation Area.

The public will be notified in advance for each event. Please contact April Moore at 814-728-6168 for additional information or to register.

Please register in advance by April 15 for the April 17 Weed Warrior training at 814-728-6168 so the Forest Service can provide enough hand-out materials.

4/11/2008