Maumee Hosts Workshop to Combat Invasive Spotted Lanternfly

City partners with Rotary Club to educate residents on threat and DIY traps

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

The city of Maumee, Ohio is hosting a workshop to address the growing threat of the invasive spotted lanternfly. Organized by the city's Environmental and Tree Advisory Commission and the Rotary Club of Maumee, the event will provide background on the pest, the city's efforts to remove the tree of heaven, and a hands-on demonstration on building effective DIY traps for residents to use in their own yards.

Why it matters

The spotted lanternfly has become a major problem in Maumee, with a significant increase in the pest population last summer. As the insects feed on and damage trees, including the tree of heaven which they prefer, the workshop aims to educate the community on ways to slow the spread and protect local greenery.

The details

The workshop will feature presentations from Phil Kirk of the Rotary Club of Maumee and Mark Irman, a member of the city's Environmental and Tree Advisory Commission. Kirk will provide background information on the spotted lanternfly and the city's efforts to remove the tree of heaven, while Irman will lead a hands-on demonstration on constructing effective DIY traps that residents can use in their own yards.

  • The workshop will be held at 6 p.m. on March 11, 2026.
  • Maumee experienced its first major wave of the spotted lanternfly last summer.

The players

Maumee Environmental and Tree Advisory Commission

A city commission that organized the workshop in partnership with the Rotary Club of Maumee.

Rotary Club of Maumee

A local community organization that is co-hosting the workshop with the city.

Phil Kirk

A member of the Rotary Club of Maumee who will present background information on the spotted lanternfly and the city's efforts to remove the tree of heaven.

Mark Irman

A member of the Maumee Environmental and Tree Advisory Commission who will lead a hands-on demonstration on building DIY traps for the spotted lanternfly.

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What’s next

The workshop is intended to provide Maumee residents with the knowledge and tools to combat the spotted lanternfly in their own yards and neighborhoods.

The takeaway

As the invasive spotted lanternfly continues to spread, community-driven efforts like this workshop in Maumee demonstrate how local governments and organizations can proactively educate and empower residents to protect their local environment.