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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 27, 2006

Source: Kristin TePas (847) 872-0141; ktepas@illinois.edu

You're Invited to Help Stop Invasive Plants in Indiana

URBANA - In Indiana, as in most states, invasive aquatic plants are taking root, posing serious threats to the state's ecological and economic health. At an upcoming workshop, you will have an opportunity to help solve this problem.
 
Aquatic plant growers, retailers and enthusiasts (including aquarists and water gardeners) are invited to share ideas on what Indiana should do to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants that are commercially available. This free half-day workshop, sponsored by Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG), the Great Lakes Commission and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, will take place on January 10, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.as part of the Indiana Green Expo.
 
"We will overview the issues related to invasive species and describe what is currently being done in Indiana and other Great Lake states," said Kristin TePas, IISG aquatic invasives extension associate. "Then participants will have an opportunity to propose ideas on how we might further address the problem."
 
"Who better to come up with ideas than those who know how the plant and aquarium industries work?" said TePas. "Their input is vital to the process of creating a management plan."
 
The Indiana Green Expo will take place at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The expo runs January 10-12 and features over 80 educational speakers and 300 trade show booths in the landscaping, nursery and turf businesses.
 
If you are interested in attending the invasive plants workshop, please register by December 20. Space is limited and pre-registering reserves you a free box lunch. Registration forms are available online at www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/events/expo/reg07.pdf. If you would like more information about the workshop, contact TePas at 847-871-0141.

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The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program is one of more than 30 National Sea Grant College Programs. Created by Congress in 1966, Sea Grant combines university, government, business and industry expertise to address coastal and Great Lakes needs. Funding is provided by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U. S. Department of Commerce, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Purdue University at West Lafayette, Indiana.