Assistant Professor Kentucky State University Frankfort, Kentucky, United States
A majority of forest recreation area visitors in Kentucky struggle to identify invasive species confidently. This highlights a critical need for targeted educational programs on invasive species management to improve public awareness and engagement, ultimately supporting more effective and sustainable forest management strategies.
Learning Objectives:
Identify Key Motivations: By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to identify at least three primary motivations why visitors choose specific forest recreation areas in Kentucky.
Recognize and Address Invasive Species Challenges: Participants will be able to identify at least two common invasive species mentioned in the survey and describe basic strategies for their management, reflecting an improved awareness and readiness to engage in ecological education and invasive species control efforts.
