Brian Colleran, an invasive species ecologist who studied the spread of Japanese Knotweed in Vermont following Hurricane Irene, will be the featured speaker at a June 20th Tri-Town Community Knotweed Education Program. It will be held at the Lareau Swimming Hole in Waitsfield from 5 to 6 pm. Residents and visitors to the Mad River Valley are invited. Brian will explore how Knotweed spreads, the impact it has on local ecosystems and water quality, and the benefits of various management strategies. Leaders from the Valley’s three Conservation Commissions will talk about the comprehensive Knotweed control program they’ve developed and showcase the various control strategies being employed at Lareau. Attendees will also get a chance to practice some of these strategies and learn how they can get involved.