Nate Weston, Beaver Watershed Alliance
Nate will give a brief primer on the Beaver Watershed Alliance before launching into invasive species ecology and management. Topics will include the historic and contemporary definitions of “invasive” as well as the inherent subjectivity surrounding the term “invasive.” Related terms, some common invasive species, the mechanism behind invasion, the ecological impact of invasion, and the key steps of developing an action plan to replace invasives with indigenous species will be included. This presentation will emphasize equipping participants with an objective understanding of ecological invasion, rather than “plant shaming,” to help landowners and land managers promote effective stewardship to diverse stakeholder groups, especially those with differing values. Nate is the Geospatial Ecologist for the Beaver Watershed Alliance. The Alliance promotes voluntary best-management practices to landowners and municipalities in the Beaver Lake Watershed. Nate has worked in landscape and restoration ecology, natural resources management, and environmental education since 2014. Previously, he helped manage the Jewel Moore Nature Reserve while earning his degree at the UCA, then worked as a GIS Analyst at the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. He has expertise in erosion, native and invasive plant ecology, habitat management, and the development of comprehensive land management plans. Nate also serves as President of the Arkansas Native Plant Society and Treasurer of the Multi-Basin Regional Water Council, and is an enthusiastic supporter of native-plant landscaping.
7PM via Zoom