Lunchtime Expedition: Worse Than Cheatgrass? The Growing Threat of Ventenata in Wyoming

Worse Than Cheatgrass? The Growing Threat of Ventenata in Wyoming

Thursday, December 3, at noon
Coe Auditorium, Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Cheatgrass is a familiar challenge across the American West, but a newer invasive grass may pose an even greater threat. Ventenata, first documented in northeast Wyoming in 1997, is steadily spreading across the state. Unlike cheatgrass, which can provide some seasonal forage, ventenata is unpalatable to grazing animals at every stage of growth. Join Dr. Brian A. Mealor as he examines the spread of this invasive species, its potential consequences for Wyoming’s rangelands and natural resources, and the ongoing efforts to manage its impact.

Dr. Mealor, our featured speaker, is the interim associate dean of research and director of the Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of Wyoming. His research and outreach focus on invasive plant ecology and rangeland restoration. He is also the founding director of the Institute for Managing Annual Grasses Invading Natural Ecosystems (IMAGINE), a nationally recognized resource for science-based invasive grass management.