Melapaleuza

Held annually at the TAME project demonstration sites between 2004 and 2006, Melapaleuza was a series of lectures, demonstrations, and guided tours in which participants could:

  • Explore methods used to control the invasive melaleuca tree
  • Discover first-hand what treatments work best in different situations
  • Learn about the costs involved
  • See biological control in action

In 2004, TAME launched its outreach efforts with inaugural tours at four principal demonstration sites as contractors broke ground on treatments.  Local land managers, neighbors, extension personnel and local print and television media were in attendance to see mechanical clearing of melaleuca with a variety of heavy machinery, melaleuca cutting and herbicide application by hand crews, aerial herbicide application, as well as the two melaleuca biological control agents and their feeding damage on melaleuca. The purpose of these inaugural tours was to recruit interest among key stakeholders in the vicinity of each demonstration site, and establish a base for promoting the field tours and other technology transfer activities planned for the next two years.

In 2005 and 2006, TAME offered workshops for both the professional crowd – land managers, arborists, and other vegetation management professionals – and for the general public. Almost 350 people attended the various events, including homeowners, environmental educators, and representatives from 40 public and private organizations with a combined responsibility for vegetation control on more than 1.4 million acres of the state’s natural areas.

Melaleuca Management Fact Sheets

From the University of Florida / IFAS:

Land Manager's Handbook on IPM for Melaleuca

International Melaleuca Weed Alerts

Because melaleuca is an invasive threat in Florida and beyond:

Also visit our publications page for additional information.

Thanks to all of our speakers, cooperators and attendees for making Melapaleuza such a success!

Note: The demonstration tours may walk you through some bumpy and potentially muddy terrain. For your comfort, please wear appropriate footwear, and bring sunscreen and insect repellant. To request disability accommodation, please call (954) 475-0541.

Mention of trade names or commercial products on this web site is solely for the purpose of providing specific information, and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, South Florida Water Management District, or University of Florida.

Downloads

Everything you ever wanted to know about melaleuca biology and management, these are some of the presentations made at Melapaleuza.

PowerPoint Presentations
Video Segments
Brochures