LEXINGTON, Ky. – They arrive often as a landscaping choice or as a hitchhiker on equipment, and before long they’ve muscled their way through Kentucky’s woodlands, pastures and roadsides. Invasive plants rank among the most persistent threats to the state’s natural resources, and the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) is once again bringing together the people working to stop them.

The 6th Annual Kentucky Invasive Plant Conference will be Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET at the Boone County Enrichment Center, 1824 Patrick Dr., in Burlington. Hosted by the Martin-Gatton CAFE Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) and the Kentucky Invasive Plant Council (KYIPC), the conference offers a full day of learning and networking for natural resource professionals, landowners, researchers and students.

The day opens with a morning of presentations covering the latest in invasive plant identification, management and research.

“This year’s presentations focus on active management, including best practices for a range of invasive plants and on-the-ground examples,” said FNR Forest Health Extension professor Ellen Crocker.

Over lunch, attendees can browse a poster session highlighting new findings from across the region. The afternoon moves outdoors, where participants will choose from several field opportunities designed to put classroom knowledge into practice.

“We have some great nearby locations hosting tours to share success stories and management in action, including the Boone County Arboretum and Boone County Conservation District,” Crocker said.

Researchers interested in sharing their work can apply to present during the poster session through the conference website.

Registration is $65 and includes lunch, continuing education units and membership in the KYIPC. Students, as well as those who have joined or renewed their KYIPC membership since July 2026, are eligible for a $35 discount, bringing their registration to $30. All sales are final.

Organizers are also seeking sponsors at several levels, with opportunities to support meals, breaks, student attendance and speakers.

“This conference is a great way to connect to others about invasive plants and their management,” Crocker said.

To register, visit https://www3.ca.uky.edu/worldpay/form/forestry-ky-invasive-plant/. For more information, visit https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/Invasive-Plant-Conference. For questions about the conference or sponsorship, contact Ellen Crocker at e.crocker@uky.edu.