Spotted lanternfly information sessions

RI Department of Environmental Management and the University of Rhode Island are hosting information sessions on Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive planthopper that is currently spreading throughout the Mid-Atlantic. This is a fast-moving and destructive plant pest, and your cooperation is essential to aid in early detection and rapid response in Rhode Island. Information sessions are open to all interested in learning about identification, research, management and regulations of this pest. If you are interested, please select one of the following sessions and RSVP to Cynthia Kwolek (Cynthia.Kwolek@dem.ri.gov):

September 17th at 10:30am, Jesse M. Smith Library, 100 Tinkham Lane, Harrisville
September 18th at 10:00am, Rochambeau Library, 708 Hope Street, Providence
September 25th at 10:00am, Middletown Public Library, 700 W. Main Rd, Middletown
September 26th at 10:00am, Westerly Public Library, 44 Broad St, Westerly
October 2nd at 9:30am, Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick

One of the preferred hosts of this pest is Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), generally considered a weedy invasive tree. Unfortunately, we have a well-established population of this tree distributed throughout Rhode Island. Other plants affected may include black walnut, grapes, apple, maple, Prunus spp. (including cherry, peach and plum), and pine.