SEARSMONT — Waldo County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) announces its 2023 Annual Meeting, which will feature a special talk by Gary Fish, Maine State Horticulturist entitled, “Economic, Environmental and Ecological Impacts of Invasive Species in Maine.” 

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry recently announced that its list of Invasive Plants Prohibited from Sale or Import in Maine will nearly double in size starting in 2024, according to Waldo County SWCD, in a news release. There are currently 33 plants on the list and the number will jump to 60 in January.

“The challenge is gaining momentum as we face the impacts of climate change,” said SWCD. “Waldo SWCD invites the public to attend this educational, yet fun, event. Can you identify the difference between fruits of Asiatic bittersweet, multiflora rose, and winterberry? Do you know which is a Mainer and which is not?

In addition to Gary Fish’s talk, there will be a presentation of the Waldo SWCD Conservationist of the Year Award, door prizes, and refreshments.

The event will be held Thursday, Dec. 14, at 5:30 p.m., at the Town Hall Meeting Room, on Route 131, in Searsmont.

The cost is $6. To help get a rough headcount, please RSVP to msteinman@maineconservationdistricts.com, or call 218-5311.