February 24, 2026 @ 3:00 pm – February 26, 2026 @ 5:00 pm EST
Invasive pests cost the U.S. an estimated over $120 billion each year in damages to our environment, agriculture, and native species. The USDA Cooperative Research Forum on Invasive Species is a critical platform for scientists, regulators and cooperators from state and federal government agencies and universities to meet, share and discuss progresses and national strategies and tactics as well as progresses in managing invasive agriculture and forest pests (weeds, pathogens, and insects). If left unaddressed, the invasive pests will continue devastating North American Agriculture, forests, and natural resources, costing taxpayers billions, making this research forum essential to advancing America’s priority to protect natural resources through effective management strategies that preserve vital tree populations, benefit stakeholders—from foresters to the general public—through strengthened environmental resilience, and support statutory authorities governing invasive species management, environmental protection, and forestry conservation.
Poster Sessions: Tuesday afternoon to Thursday afternoon
Poster displays on forest invasive species are always welcome. Posters should fit within a 45″ x 45″ (115 cm x 115 cm) board.
Keynote Speakers: Wednesday Morning
Dr. Jennifer Koch, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station
The Tree Species in Peril Breeding Program
Dr. Jiri Hulcr, University of Florida, Entomology And Nematology Department
The role of AI in invasive species science and management
Session Topics: Wednesday and Thursday
- Invasive Plants
- Invasive Pathogens of Trees
- Biological Control of Invasive Species
- Area-wide Management of Invasive Species
- Research Reports
Oral presentations are 20 minutes long, including time for questions. You will be contacted if your presentation is accepted for the program.
- The deadline for poster abstract submission is February 1, 2026.
- The deadline for oral presentation abstract submission is January 9, 2026.
Hotel/conference venue
Graduate Hotel in Annapolis, MD (Graduate Annapolis | Hotel Near Naval Academy (graduatehotels.com).
Reservations will be accepted through the group cutoff date of Friday, January 23, 2025. Booking Link: https://book.passkey.com/e/51127593
