The lecture will briefly outline the purpose and function of the statewide Invasive Plant Program, and will showcase success stories of restoration projects in central and southern Arizona. Participants will explore the unique and resilient adaptations of native plants, and learn about how they can bring the Sonoran Desert to their own backyard.

Jessi Szopinski is the Invasive Plant Program Coordinator for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with 10 years of experience working with invasive plant species in Arizona. She is passionate about balancing the needs of people with the environment, and finding creative solutions to protect and conserve native plant communities. In her free time, she enjoys backpacking, hiking, gardening, and lego building with family and friends.