Presentation to cover invasive chokecherries

October 14, 2019

Marmian Grimes

Chokecherries are the theme for a free presentation Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center in Palmer.

Photo courtesy of UAF Cooperative Extension Service. This chokecherry is a type that is invasive in Alaska and toxic to moose.
Photo courtesy of UAF Cooperative Extension Service. This chokecherry is a type that is invasive in Alaska and toxic to moose.

Cooperative Extension invasive plants instructor Gino Graziano will talk about which chokecherry varieties are invasive, their environmental impact and how to remove them. Graziano said Southcentral Alaska and the Interior are more prone to the spread of chokecherries. Since the tree is toxic to moose, it has a survival advantage over trees that they eat.

The one-hour presentation will begin at 6 p.m. in 208 Kerttula Hall. The farm is located at 1509 S. Georgeson Drive. Registration is requested by calling the Mat-Su district office of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service at 907-745-3360.