Kudzu Kollege Workshop - “The How-to on Kudzu Removal”

February 4, 2012
Kudzu Kollege Workshop
"The How-to on Kudzu Removal"
9 AM – 12 PM
Citizens Resource Center
1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy., Dallas, NC 28034

Kudzu, sometimes known as "the vine that ate the South", is one of our most legendary invasive species. It thrives in areas experiencing mild winters and humid summers. Kudzu scrambles over the ground killing native plants and trees, prevents productive use of land, presents a fire hazard for trees and can damage power lines and buildings. Kudzu vines can grow up to 1 ft. per day, and, in the 6 month frostless period in the Southeast, one root can send out 30 vines and each vine can reach 100 feet in length. Some sources estimate the kudzu infestation in the United States involves up to 7,000,000 acres!

The purpose of this workshop is to teach participants how to remove this severely invasive species without the use of herbicides. The Kudzu Coalition of Spartanburg, SC will conduct the workshop. The organization began in 2004 and became a 501(c) 3 non-profit in 2005. They specialize in evaluating methods of eradicating kudzu without chemical treatment. For information about the organization go to their website at: http://kokudzu.com/default.aspx

The workshop will include presentations on the history of kudzu, the Kudzu Coalition, kudzu identification and kudzu removal techniques. Following the classroom presentation, and weather permitting, participants will get the opportunity to apply the techniques they’ve learned to a kudzu patch here in Dallas Park.

Who Should Attend?
• Land owners
• Master Gardeners
• Groups interested in performing community service
• Scout troops
• Friends of Crowders Mountain
• Land Conservancy personnel
• Landscapers
• Anyone interested in becoming a "kudzu killer"

Please dress appropriately for the outdoor portion of the workshop. You will get dirty. Wear boots or work shoes and bring work gloves. You are welcome to bring folding saws and picks if you own them. We will have some tools at the workshop. We will also provide bottled water.

There is no cost to attend the workshop, but pre-registration is required. Please call (704) 922-2112 or 922-2119 by February 2nd to register.

For accommodations for persons with disabilities, contact Jim Burke, (704) 922-2119 no later than 5 business days before event.