Penn State Extension To Host Inaugural Keystone Invasive Species Forum Sept. 16 In Boalsburg, Centre County

The Penn State Extension will host the inaugural Keystone Invasive Species Forum on September 16 in Boalsburg, Centre County from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Forum will bring together researchers, extension professionals, land managers, educators, nonprofit organizations, industry representatives, and policymakers from across Pennsylvania to explore current invasive species challenges and opportunities for collaboration. 

Designed to foster connections across disciplines and organizations, this one-day forum will highlight successful partnerships, innovative management strategies, and practical outreach efforts taking place throughout the region. 

Participants will hear from invited speakers, engage in meaningful discussions, explore emerging ideas, and connect with others working in invasive species prevention, detection, education, and management.

The forum will also provide opportunities for attendees to share research, showcase projects and programs, exchange ideas, and build partnerships that support coordinated invasive species initiatives across Pennsylvania and beyond. 

Topics will include invasive species management success stories, early detection and rapid response strategies, biological control, educator and community engagement, communication and outreach approaches, and collaborative initiatives that support native ecosystems and resilient landscapes.

Student Posters

Students will have the opportunity to present posters highlighting their work related to invasive species. Each student may submit one poster and will be eligible to compete for student poster awards.

Who is this for?

-- Extension educators and specialists

-- Researchers and university faculty

-- Students and early-career professionals

-- Conservation organizations and nonprofits

-- Land managers and natural resource professionals

-- State and federal agency staff

-- Arborists and green-industry professionals

-- Master Gardeners and Master Watershed Stewards

-- Educators and outreach professionals

-- Anyone interested in invasive species management, education, and collaboration

What will you learn?

-- Current invasive species issues and management efforts across Pennsylvania

-- Examples of successful collaborations among researchers, agencies, nonprofits, and communities

-- How scent detection dogs are used for invasive species detection

-- Strategies for improving invasive species outreach and communication

-- Approaches for engaging schools, educators, and community groups

-- Updates on the Pennsylvania "Invasive Replace-ive" initiative

-- Biological control programs and emerging management tools

-- Opportunities for collaboration, networking, and building partnerships

-- Lessons learned from real-world invasive species projects and case studies

-- Ways individuals and organizations can support prevention, detection, and management efforts

Click Here to register and for more information.

Visit the Penn State Extension website to learn more about many other educational opportunities.

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[Posted: July 9, 2026]  PA Environment Digest