NALT GIS manager Adrian Gatewood gave a guest lecture at West Chester University of PA to an intro GIS course about GIS applications in conservation and land trusts. This presentation aimed to offer GIS students a real-world example of what a GIS job may look like, what resources are used (i.e datasets and how they are created) and how GIS is vital for the conservation field. The lecture covered the need for accurate data science and visualization in land protection strategy, and how these tools can assist practitioners with improving prioritization of conservation areas, monitoring and stewardship techniques, and understanding the history and natural value of a site. 📷: WCU Professor, Dr. Yingying Lyu 📈: NALT GIS Manager, Adrian Gatewood (fb)

Our "Plant This, Not That" series aims to help you find a native plant instead of an invasive species for your yard. These plants often provide the same look and texture, similar features, and growing habits, all while providing critical habitat for native wildlife. Help improve native plant supply by asking for native plant species! Iris are a common choice for many gardens, as they are often versatile and come in a variety of colors and shapes. For aquatic gardens, there are several varieties that can withstand being inundated with or ponded with water on occasion. Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacoris) is one example of a species that has been introduced to America from the gardening trade. This species has showy yellow flowers, and foliage can grow to 3ft in height. It is now recognized as invasive, due to its ability to grow aggressively and spread quickly throughout wet sites like wetlands, ponds, and waterways, choking out native vegetation. It has escaped native gardens either by accident by seed or rhizome when either planted near natural waterways, or when it is discarded improperly. There are many native alternatives to Yellow flag iris, however one of the most widespread and well known species is the Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor). This species is native to primarily the Eastern United States, across sedge meadows, marshes and streambanks. It has stark blue or indigo blooms with a yellow stripe down each sepal. Their growth habit is similar, in that they can form large clumps from rhizomes and reach a height of up to 3 ft tall. Both species are toxic to animals, so take care when planting in yards where pets have access to garden beds. While these plants may not be in your area, send us a message if you would like suggestions for your region. To learn more about eradication of invasive species on your property, improvement of your habitat with native plants, or other habitat management questions, reach out to us at info@nalt.org and www.nalt.org. (fb)