If you've ever wondered how to get rid of those invasive Brazilian pepper trees, you'll have a chance to find out at a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. in the city council chambers, 710 W. Ave. A.

Originally scheduled for Sept. 11, the meeting was postponed due to Hurricane Ike.

As part of an effort to remove this invasive species from the Port Aransas Nature Preserve and from local properties, participants will learn what the trees look like, what chemicals can be used, and how these chemicals can be applied.

Brazilian pepper trees are a particularly aggressive invasive species that choke out native plants if left unchecked. The University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants refers to it as "one of the most aggressive and invasive nonindigenous plants in Florida."

According to city councilman Keith McMullin, it is such a problem that possession of the trees with intent to plant is illegal in Florida.

The meeting, sponsored by the City of Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department, is free and open to the public. For more information, contact parks and recreation, 749-4158.