The Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council (MAIPC) is dedicated to protecting the region’s natural landscapes, economy, and public health from the threat of invasive plants. Through leadership, collaboration, and the exchange of science-based information, MAIPC coordinates efforts across the Mid-Atlantic to address invasive species challenges.
This year’s biennial conference marks the Council’s first in-person gathering since the pandemic, bringing together experts and stakeholders from across sectors for two days of insight, innovation, and action on the most urgent ecological issues facing the region.
2025
Presenting Sponsors
We are proud to recognize our Presenting Sponsors, whose generous support is central to the success of this year’s conference.
2025
Supporting Sponsors
We also thank our Supporting Sponsors for their contributions in helping us bring this event to life.
The 2025 Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council Conference attracts individuals from throughout the Mid-Atlantic seeking new techniques and inspiration to manage a diverse range of invasive species.
The 2025 MAIPC Conference agenda will feature expert-led sessions on invasive species management, emerging research, and practical strategies for on-the-ground success. Attendees will gain actionable insights and connect with regional leaders in the field.
Monday, October 20, 2025 | ||
9:10 a.m. | Norris Muth | Welcome & Introduction |
9:20 a.m. | Jeremy French | Uplifting Grassland Conservation in 40 Eastern National Parks |
9:55 a.m. | Break | |
10:15 a.m. | Ryan McClean | Managing EDRR species across boundaries – NY case study: a community approach |
10:45 a.m. | Deah Lieurance | Evidence-based tools for invasive species prevention and management to protect Pennsylvania’s ecological and economic future |
11:15 a.m. | Eric Pratt | Virginia pesticide applicator regulatory updates |
12:00 p.m. | Sandwich Lunch Buffet | |
| The Garden and Greek Salad are both gluten and dairy-free.
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1:30 p.m. | Jim Hurley, Lauren Taylor, & Rod Walker | PRISM’s formation history and how you can start a PRISM as a fiscally sponsored project. Origin story of the 12/23 Future Search Workshop, and what inspired that Future Search. VIPC now, and PRISM’s role in managing VIPC. Q&A Panel |
2:10 p.m. | Hallie Harriman | Growing Together: The Past, Present, and Future of the Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech |
2:40 p.m. | Patricia Greenberg | Volunteer use of herbicide to control invasive species -SOPs |
3:10 p.m. | Break | |
3:30 p.m. | State Briefs · Andrew Rohrbaugh (PA) | Updates on invasive plant and invasive species regulations, actions, and changes to state agencies. (approximately 10 mins each) |
4:30 p.m. | Adjourn for Reception | |
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | ||
8:20 a.m. | Norris Muth, Damien Ossi, Nathan Hartshorne | Updates from President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Board elections |
9:20 a.m. | Matthew Tancos | Emerging genetic biocontrol technologies for invasive weed management |
10:00 a.m. (15 min) | Break | |
10:15 a.m. | Jenica Allen | Invasive plants and climate change (e.g., an overview of the invasive plant-climate change situation or a discussion of available tools) |
10:45 a.m. | Giles Garrison, Josh Stutz
| Development of a natural resource management plan for the James River Park System. Presentation and panel discussion. |
11:20 a.m. | Film Screening Western Pennsylvania Conservancy with Great Lakes Media & Film | “Seeing The Unseen: Aquatic Invaders & What’s at Stake” “This film shows how conservation-minded people, groups, and organizations, including the Conservancy, are working on efforts to combat and reduce the threat of invasives in the Lake Erie watershed and nearby region, and provides actions and measures we can all take to slow the spread of invasives entering the watershed.” |
12:05 p.m. | Sandwich Lunch Buffet | |
| The Garden Salad is gluten and dairy-free. Portobello Wrap is vegan.
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1:30 p.m. | Catherine McGuigan Field session at Pony Pasture – James River Park System | This site has been the target of successful volunteer and staff restoration efforts over several years, demonstrating that invasive management takes time. Work here has focused primarily on removing ivy from trees (Free-a-Tree) and clearing out the invasive shrub layer around some sensitive vernal pool habitats. Join us as we discuss some of the challenges of working in a floodplain that borders a neighborhood and demonstrate proper tool usage. |
4:00 p.m. | Adjourn | |
We are excited to host the MAIPC Conference at the beautiful Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
Make room reservations now and enjoy a 15% conference discount at the Home2Suites by Hilton Richmond Glenside.
Help make the 2025 MAIPC Conference a success! Sponsoring this event offers your organization valuable visibility among professionals in invasive species management, ecological restoration, and environmental stewardship. Sponsorships help us keep registration affordable and ensure broad participation. Sponsors will enjoy high-visibility exhibit space near conference refreshments throughout both days.
For sponsorship details and customized opportunities, please contact Marian Orlousky at morlousky@appalachiantrail.org.