Phragmites (Phragmites australis) can become invasive in tidal or nontidal freshwater or brackish marshes, ponds or impoundments. This training workshop from the DNREC Coastal Training Program teaches phragmites management in saltmarsh ecosystems.

This workshop focuses on phragmites management using current research, experience and unbiased explanations of phragmites impacts, benefits and both traditional and alternative management methods.

Funding for this workshop is provided through a National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Science Collaborative grant. Information is presented on research findings from the grant-funded NERRS Science Collaborative biochar project.

Workshop topics include:

• Phragmites impacts and benefits
• The NERR Science Collaborative biochar project
• Biochar application
• Traditional and alternative phragmites management methods
• Restoration monitoring

Participants have opportunities to network and share knowledge, ideas and resources. They can also help shape the training by defining round-robin discussion topics.

Workshop participants will be eligible for pesticide applicator credits:

• PA – Core or Private Applicator: 1.00
• 5A – Aquatic: 1.00
• 10 – Demonstration and Research: 1.00

For more information, please contact Lynne Pusey, Coastal Training Program Coordinator, at lynne.pusey@delaware.gov or 302-735-3417.

Training Materials

Phragmites Impacts – Matthew Sarver, Owner, Sarver Ecological

Phragmites Benefits – Dr. Thomas Mozdzer, Professor and Chair of Biology, Bryn Mawr College

NERRS Science Collaborative Biochar Project – Univ. of Delaware School of Marine Science and Policy:
Dr. Andrew Wozniak, Associate Professor
Emma Leaseburg, Graduate Student
Pamela Edris, Graduate Student

Christopher Kelly, EPA Region 3, ORISE Fellow
Dr. Mollie Yacano, Research Coordinator, DNREC Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve

Understanding Biochar and Use Opportunities – Charles Hegberg, Sr. Project Consultant at RES, LLC and partner in Atlantic Biochar, LLC

Traditional Management Methods Panel

• Herbicide and Mechanical Management – Susan Guiteras, Supervisory Wildlife Biologist, USFWS
• Prescribed Burning – Eric Ludwig, Regional Wildlife Manager, DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife

Using Multiple Methods to Manage Phragmites – Dr. Serina Wittyngham, Assistant Professor, University of North Florida

New Jersey Marshes, Phragmites, and Sea Level Rise – Dr. Judith Weis, Professor Emerita of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University

Restoration Monitoring – Alison Rogerson, Environmental Scientist V, DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship

Related Topics:  climate coastal energy, coastal programs, coastal training, dcmp, phragmites