An area consortium dedicated to fighting invasive plant species will host an informational meeting about Japanese Knotweed from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, at The New Buffalo Township Library.

The library is located at 33 North Thompson St., New Buffalo.

Japanese Knotweed, also called “Michigan Bamboo”, is an invasive plant that was originally introduced as an ornamental hedge-row plant, because it grows in tall, dense clumps that quickly establish and spread. It will quickly take over areas if left unattended, and can reproduce from even very small pieces, making mowing or tilling a major vector of spread and establishment.

The deep, spreading roots of knotweed can break foundations, pipes, and hard surfaces, causing considerable property damage, while the stands can also shade out and kill other plants, as well as creating soil erosion issues.

The presentation will include information on knotweed identification and habit, impacts, mapping, and monitoring, and will include an overview of MISIN. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit a nearby stand of Japanese Knotweed.

This program is directed towards property owners, concerned citizens, municipality staff, landscapers, and land managers, but everyone that is interested is encouraged to attend.

People interested in attending are asked to RSVP for this free event by calling Rubia Jasinevicius at (630) 854-8172 or emailing her at rubia_jasinevicius@yahoo.com or register online at berriencd.org/invasive-species.

This presentation is hosted by the SW x SW Corner CISMA and the New Buffalo Township Library, in part with funds from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program through the Departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Quality, and Agriculture and Rural Development.

The SW x SW Corner Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area is a partnership of federal, state, and local government agencies, individuals, and various interested groups that manage (or have a stake in managing) invasive species in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties.

Partners include the Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Conservation Districts, Chikaming Open Lands, Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, The Stewardship Network and many others.