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Growing Through Invasive Species Webinar Review101-31-23 | 10

Growing Through Invasive Species Webinar Review
Demian Gomez, Texas A&M Forest Service
by Rebecca Radtke, LCMP

TLE-Anaheim-2025

LandscapeWebinars.org hosted a session titled, "Growing Through Invasive Species" on April 3 for Landscape Architects and arborists. Regional Forest Health Coordinator for the Texas A&M Forest Service, Demian Gomez, Ph.D. presented the webinar and brought his experience in forest health to help attendees better understand the impact of climate change on forest health, explore secondary pest recognition, and grasp how invasive species impact ecosystems.

Attendees earned LA/CES HSW, ISA, APLD, and PGMS CEUs during the one-hour session, which can now be viewed OnDemand whenever, wherever.

The course explained the challenges facing landscape health in the U.S. including elements like climate change and invasive species. Dr. Gomez showed examples in typical forests and urban trees for a wider application for Landscape Architects and arborists across the country.

Landscape professionals looking to take this webinar OnDemand will be able to learn how to identify environmental challenges, mitigate decline, and in turn create climate-resilient urban and rural ecosystems.

Dr. Gomez explained insect biology in a digestible way so attendees could better understand the amplified effect on pest populations and the secondary pests that are becoming tree pests. He also spoke on Bark and Ambrosia Beetles because they separate into two main groups and can go after stressed trees. This is an important fact because these pests are affecting more geographical locations. Emerald Ash Borers were explored as well because it is killing millions of trees across the country.

He gave examples with photos and videos of what it looks like when a tree has these beetles and tips for identification. He went on to show the study that he is conducting to protect Ponderosa pines in the region which could be another control mechanism for protection.

While being based in West Texas, Dr. Gomez's course is beneficial for the entire country as the region experiences climates like much of the country (fire and drought). Therefore, this webinar is a can't miss course no matter what part of the industry you are a part of. If you have trees on a site, you need to see this.

To register for this enticing session, click here: https://landscapewebinars.org/landscape-webinars/webinar/growing-through-invasive-species

Webinar Description:
This webinar explores the growing challenges to forest health in the U.S., where climate change and invasive species are altering urban and natural landscapes. We will focus on secondary pests - minor problems that have become significant threats due to environmental stressors. We'll examine how shifting climate patterns impact tree resilience and pest activity. The discussed concepts will offer insights for urban forestry and land management professionals. Attendees will gain practical strategies for mitigating forest decline and fostering healthier, climate-resilient urban ecosystems.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the Impact of Climate Change on Forest Health while learning how shifting climate patterns influence tree stress, making them more susceptible to secondary pests and other environmental threats.
2. Recognize key secondary pests that have become significant damaging agents, understand their life cycles, and explore how changing conditions contribute to their increasing prevalence.
3. Understand how invasive species are impacting ecosystems and communities.

Demian Gomez
Dr. Demian Gomez is the Regional Forest Health Coordinator for the Texas A&M Forest Service. His work focuses on early detection, management, and regional initiatives to address forest pests. He coordinates forest health projects across Central and West Texas with government, academic, and private partners.