The Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG) 2018 Invasive Plant Symposium was held on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at the Student Union, University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT.  The theme of the symposium was: Invasive Plants in Uncertain Times:  Achieving More with Less.  The 9^th biennial conference featured national, regional, and local experts as well as citizen volunteers sharing practical solutions for invasive plant management and actions needed to promote native species and improve wildlife habitat.

Keynote speaker Judy Preston, Long Island Sound Connecticut Outreach Program Coordinator, Connecticut Sea Grant, presented, “Raising the Bar on Sustainability: Transcending the Gardener.”

Concurrent afternoon sessions included:

• Introduction to Invasive Plant Management – Panel Discussion with Various Experts
• The Nursery Industry and Non-Invasive Alternatives – Panel Discussion on the Role of Nurseries
• Early Detection and Invasive Plant Risk Assessment – How to Address Newly Introduced Plants
• Advanced Invasive Plant Management – Cost/Benefit Analysis of Management Options
• Innovative Invasive Plant Technologies – New Technologies to Report and Learn about Invasives
• Native Alternatives – Why and How to Use Them

Research and management posters, an invasive plant identification area, and other educational exhibits were featured throughout the day.