ONLINE — Interested in learning about creative ways to include native species in landscapes and aquatic designs? Penn State Extension and Pennsylvania Sea Grant will offer the Choose Native mini-workshop online from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16.

Registration is required by 8 p.m. on April 16; registrants can access a recording of the webinar.

The webinar is designed for property owners, landscapers, native plant enthusiasts and those who wish to learn more about invasive and native plants.

Landscaping and water gardening activities often lead to the unintended introduction and spread of invasive plant species to natural lands and waterways, organizers noted. Once established, invasive species can degrade natural habitats by outcompeting native species for space, light and nutrients.

Invasive species can impact the food web by altering the plant community and decreasing the diversity of plants available as food sources, habitat and shelter, according to experts. Using native species in landscapes and water gardens is a viable solution. 

Penn State Extension and Pennsylvania Sea Grant are collaborating to host this workshop, which includes a guest presentation by Native Creations Landscape Services.

More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at www.extension.psu.edu/choose-native-mini-workshop.