This webinar is part of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program Continuing Education Webinar Series.  This webinar focuses on research to evaluate biological control options for the invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima).  You'll hear background information on biological control and why it's an appropriate option for Ailanthus.  Additionally, the presenter will provide an update of her Virginia-based research studying a native fungal biological control agent. Come learn what this research might mean for Ailanthus control in the coming years!

Presenter: Rachel Brooks is a third-year PhD candidate in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech studying plant pathology. Rachel is originally from New Hampshire and obtained a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Vermont in 2011. She hopes to use her Virginia Tech degree to study emerging forest health problems while also conducting outreach and education.