About Us
OUR MISSION
Develop and disseminate strategies for addressing
the impact of invasive plants.
The UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (CAIP) is a research, teaching, and Extension unit located just north of the main Gainesville campus. In 1978, the Florida state legislature established the UF/IFAS CAIP to develop environmentally sound management techniques for aquatic and natural area invasive plant species. The Center also supports both statewide and national organizations and agencies who are committed to managing aquatic and invasive plants.
Then...
The Center was created in response to a critical time for Florida's environment as invasive plants like hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) and water hyacinth (Eicchornia crassipes) were infesting lakes and invading waterways. With only two faculty at the Center and a commitment to the scientific method, experiments were completed, applicators were trained, and numerousstudents were educated. The Center quickly became internationally known for innovation and information related to aquatic plant management.
Now...
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UF/IFAS CAIP is now a team of scientists and staff specializing in various aspects of invasive plant ecology and management. Currently, CAIP scientists work on a variety of research projects. Examining invasive plant management practices, researching new control strategies, and informing practitioners and the public about these findings are just a few ways our scientists are helping to mitigate Florida’s invasive plant problem.
