Invasive species are plants, animals, or pathogens that are non-native to the ecosystem under consideration, and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm. Human actions are the primary means of invasive species introductions, and they can be introduced to an area intentionally of unintentionally. Some examples of introduction pathways are ship ballast water, firewood, escaped ornamental plants, and escaped or released pets. Invasive species can lead to the extinction of native plants and animals, destroy biodiversity, and permanently alter habitats. Some species have become so common you may recognize them without realizing the problems they cause to the ecosystems.

Please join the National Agricultural Library’s Agricultural Law team to learn more about invasive species, hear from our guest speakers, and learn how to edit Wikipedia!

Schedule (Eastern Time):

• 11:00-11:15 Welcome and Introduction

• 11:15-11:30 Guest Speaker, Chuck Bargeron, Co-Director of the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia

• 11:30- 12:15 Wikipedia Editing Training with Jamie Flood (NAL) and Ariel Cetrone (Wikimedia DC)

• 12:15-1:00 Break

• 1:00-1:30 -Editing, time for questions and follow up

• 1:30-2:00 Breakout Session with Kirstin Nelson – Overview and Q&A about the major laws related to Invasive Species

• 2:00–3:00 Editing and wrap up (shortly before 3:00)