Are you concerned about the impact of invasive plants on Rhode Island’s landscapes? Do you want to develop the knowledge and skills to manage invasive species and restore native habitats? Whether you are an environmental or landscape professional, land manager, homeowner, or simply interested in protecting Rhode Island’s natural resources, the URI Cooperative Extension Invasive Plant Management Training Program provides science-based education and practical management strategies to help address one of the state’s most pressing ecological challenges.

URI Cooperative Extension has offered Invasive Plant Management Certification Program in partnership with the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). This certification prepares professionals working in regulated coastal and riparian areas to provide sustainable plant management services to clients.

New in 2026 – please read!

In an effort to address the intersection of invasive plant management and climate change, and in response to learner feedback around the structure of the program, we are now offering four training modules that may be taken individually or in select pairings. Participants interested in earning certification as a Rhode Island Invasive Manager must register for and complete Modules A, B, and C. Individuals who are not seeking certification or who work outside the coastal zone are welcome to attend any of the training modules to expand their knowledge of invasive plants and their environmental impacts.

TRAINING MODULES

Module A: Global Issues, Climate Implications & Novel Approaches to Invasive Plant Management
An introductory six-module workshop covering global invasive species concerns, plant migration in the face of a changing climate, an overview of common invasive plants and endemic vegetation to Rhode Island, and novel biological and grazing approaches to invasive plant management.

Date: Online, Asynchronous – must be completed by October 7, 2026
Total Instruction Time: 3.75 hours
Cost: $100.00/person

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Module B: Science and Systems for Landscape Biodiversity & Control Methods
A full day, in-person workshop on the systems science behind invasive species ecology. Site assessment techniques and chemical, mechanical, and holistic approaches to management will be covered.

Date: October 8, 2026 from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: URI Narragansett Bay Campus
Cost: $175.00/person

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Module C: Coastal Rules and Regulations in Rhode Island
A full day, in-person workshop in partnership with CRMC covering the rules and regulations of coastal buffer zone invasive species management to obtain CRMC certification as an invasive plant manager. 

Date: October 15, 2026 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: URI Narragansett Bay Campus
Cost: $175.00/person

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Module F: Plant ID, Site Assessment & Management Projects Field Demo
A 2.5 hour field walkabout at Canonchet Farm on invasive and native plant identification and approaches to management with a field botanist; a showcase of long-term and current invasive plant management control projects led by volunteer project managers.

Date: October 9, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. OR 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Canonchet Farm, Narragansett, RI
Cost: $100.00/person