Organizations called Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMA) are being formed across the U.S. to tackle the spread of invasive plants. Three multi-county Resource Conservation and Development Councils in central and western Indiana are leading an effort to form such an organization in about 25 counties.

CWMA’s are formed by all kinds of local groups, governments, agencies and individuals working together through agreements to tackle this spreading problem. These groups provide education about plant identification, damages and control methods. Many conduct workshops and field days to meet these objectives.

Invasive plant control happens when local communities and landowners learn to identify the plants and how to control them. Over 50 plants in Indiana have been identified as being invasive or of special concern. Many are still available for sale at nurseries and garden centers.

Five regional meetings are being held in February and March to inform local citizens about the invasive plant problem in this area and to explain the workings of a Cooperative Weed Management Area. All interested persons are invited to attend.

The next meeting will be Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Tippecanoe County Extension Office, 3150 Sagamore Parkway South, Lafayette. There will be a meeting March 3 at 1 p.m. at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville.