Invasive species presentation at Senior Center Wednesday

The Havre Senior Center will host the Hill County Conservation District’s Emma Korntheuer Wednesday to give an “Invasive Species vs. Hi-Line” presentation from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Havre Senior Center.

Korntheuer said the presentation will cover various invasive species, how they become invasive, and what impact they can have in the area if left unchecked.

She said they will cover a number of plant and animal species, particularly the eastern heath snail, which can reduce crop yield and quality, contaminate fruits, vegetables and hay and transmit plant and animal diseases.

She said the species, native to eastern Europe, has been found in Chouteau County so they’re especially worried about that one in Hill County

Korntheuer said the presentation will also go over existing programs like Squeal on Hogs, PlayCleanGo and Clean, Drain, Dry which advise residents on simple things they can do in their everyday lives to prevent the spread of invasive species such as feral pigs, aquatic invasive species like invasive mussels and other invasive plants and animals.

Wednesday’s program will also include information about how to spot specific species and who to report them to, she said.

She said feral hogs aren’t as big an issue for the area these days so they won’t be a huge focus, but it’s still worth telling people what to do about them.