Greetings from the Invasive Species Centre 
Taking Action
There were positive steps forward on invasive species as the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry regulated 13 invasive species and watercraft as a carrier of invasive species under the Invasive Species Act and finalized Ontario’s Strategy to Address the Threat of Invasive Wild Pigs on October 19, 2021.  
Did you know that the Invasive Species Centre maintains three different publicly accessible, searchable databases on our website for your perusal?  
The Invasive Species Centre (ISC) has put a bow on another successful season of aquatic invasive species decontamination at Lake McGregor, Alberta. 
In 2021, the way we engaged pivoted, as we discovered new ways to connect with our partners, community scientists, audiences, and other stakeholders to share knowledge about invasive species.
Species Updates
The State of Ontario’s Biodiversity 2020 report is one tool to better understand biodiversity trends in our province and monitor conservation progress. This report also serves as a report card on the province's progress in achieving the targets associated with Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy 2011.
Lymantria dispar dispar (Ldd) has made headlines this year in the forest community as well as in popular media. 2021 is the third straight year of population growth that we have seen across the forest of Southern Ontario, with further populations breaking out as far north as Sault Ste Marie.
Oak wilt, though not currently found in Canada, is inching closer to our borders with the closest known occurrence of this tree disease being less than 1km from Windsor, Ontario on Belle Isle in Michigan.
This summer, the Asian Carp Canada program continued to focus outreach efforts on Grass Carp, one of the four species of Asian carp.
We have been busy adding many new species profiles to our website!

Check out our Meet the Species page to see profiles on wild pigs, starry stonewort, different knotweed species, jumping worms, and more.
Invasive Species Centre Turns 10
On November 19th, an official groundbreaking ceremony took place to unveil the future home of the Biodiversity Garden, a collaborative project in partnership with the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, and the Invasive Species Centre, with support from the province of Ontario.

The ISC’s education and community action microgrants for Ontario program launched in 2021 as part of the ISC’s 10th anniversary, to support invasive species education and community action in Ontario. Check out the featured microgrant projects!
Upcoming Events
The virtual 2022 Invasive Species Forum is taking place on February 1-3, 2022. The theme is Action, Innovation, and Outreach.

Forum registration is open! Sign up to learn the most recent information on invasive species issues, research, and advances in prevention and management occurring across Canada, and in neighbouring U.S. States.

This year, we are launching the Annual Invasive Species Awards. The core award categories will recognize individuals or organizations who champion and demonstrate values of excellenceinnovation, and leadership in invasive species prevention and management in Canada. The deadline for submissions is December 20, 2021.
Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW) is taking place from Monday, February 28 to Friday, March 4, 2022. 

Together, our actions can help raise awareness about the importance of preventing the spread of invasive species. 
The International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species (ICAIS) is the most comprehensive international forum to address new and emerging issues related to aquatic invasive species in freshwater, marine and estuarine environments.
The 2022 Conference is April 19-22, 2022 (with registration on April 18).
Keep up to date with upcoming and past ISC webinars through our website and YouTube channel.
Invasive Species Centre Team
Welcome to Our New Team Members
Tera Shewchenko
Liana Hryniewicz
Madison Sturba
The Invasive Species Centre would like to welcome Tera Shewchenko in the role of Science Writer and Development Coordinator Intern, Liana Hryniewicz in the role of Aquatic Programs Student, and Madison Sturba in the role of Training and Outreach Intern.

Welcome to the ISC team!
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