Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Eurasia introduced to North America in the late 19th century to serve colonizing families as windbreaks to help stem soil erosion. In the 20th and 21st century, Russian Olive became more valued as an ornamental species, and for game bird sport hunters on otherwise vast treeless prairie areas. While Russian Olive has some traditional medicinal and culinary uses in its native Eurasian range, it is now widely considered an aggressive invasive species, particularly in the Western U.S. and parts of Canada, where it thrives in riparian zones, deserts, and disturbed areas. In Alberta, it has been invading mostly in the drier, Prairie Natural Region, though it is a popular ornamental species throughout Alberta. For now, its invasive potential seems to be less severe in the Parkland and Boreal Forest Natural Regions of Alberta. Kelly will discuss the impacts of this species in areas of the Western United States and Canada where it has demonstrated invasive spread, and highlight some of the integrated management techniques that have been employed to limit its spread and reduce its abundance in natural areas.
Speaker: Kelly Cooley, CoolPro Solutions
Kelly founded CoolPro Solutions in 2010 after two decades managing the Agricultural Service Board for the Municipal District of Pincher Creek. He is currently the ALUS (Alternative Land Use Services) Coordinator for Pincher Creek, the terrestrial invasive species verifier for EDDMapS (Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System) in Alberta, and an Alberta Certified Trainer for Authorized Assistant and Farmer Pesticide Applicators since 2001. Kelly also supports the South West Invasive Managers, Crown of the Continent Ecosystem Managers Partnership, and the North American Invasive Species Management Association, among many other land and resource conservation organizations from close to home to across the continent. Kelly and his family reside south of Pincher Creek, close to the Rocky Mountains they treasure and love to find adventures in as they explore them.
Date/Time: Thursday, May 7, 2026. The presentation begins at 12 noon & concludes at 1 pm.
Cost is free, donations however, are gratefully accepted.
Location: SACPA sessions are held at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Atrium Dining Room, 500 - 11 Street South, Lethbridge
Lunch and Refreshments: If you like, please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy their excellent variety of good-value food/drink options in the Atrium Dining Room ahead of the session
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