Yellowstone Times

Montana State University will conclude its 2024-25 Provost’s Distinguished Lecturer Series with a talk from plant ecologist Lisa Rew on April 15. Rew, a professor in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences at MSU, will discuss invasive species in the lecture titled “Life of an Alien: Ecology and Management of Unwanted Plants.” The session will take place at 7 p.m. in the Hager Auditorium at the Museum of the Rockies. The talk is open to the public and will be followed by a reception.

Rew has spent her career studying invasive plants such as ventenata, cheatgrass, and spotted knapweed. Her research focuses on the ecological impact of these species and developing management strategies. Rew's interest in plant ecology began on a farm in the UK, leading her to pursue degrees in environmental science and agroecology. Her path included work in Tamworth, Australia, before she settled at MSU.

Rew emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to invasive plant management. "It's not just a question of removing the invasive plant," she noted. Rew seeks to extend her research beyond academia to offer practical solutions for land managers.

Her lecture will be preceded by an introduction from Jane Mangold, another professor in the LRES department and an expert in noxious and invasive weed management. Rew and Mangold have collaborated on ensuring that their research is accessible to and used by practitioners in Montana.

The series aims to highlight MSU faculty known for their exceptional scholarship and leadership. More details are available on the Office of the Provost website.