Greetings from the Invasive Species Centre 
Hello and spring greetings to all!

As you are reading this, you may be seeing the signs of spring around you such as new buds on the trees, birds singing outside, and even flowers beginning to bloom. At the ISC new things are growing too. From new grant programs to new communication partnerships like with the "Own the Science" podcasts, we are working hard to plant the seeds of environmental stewardship and protection in our community and beyond.

There are many ways to get involved and share in our vision of a Canada where land and water are protected from invasive species. From enrolling in our new Online Training Courses, to learning about brushing off your boots and cleaning your boat and participating in upcoming events like the 23rd International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species.

We are always interested in new partnerships and new ideas - please contact me if you would like to discuss a new opportunity.

Best wishes
Sarah Rang
Executive Director, Invasive Species Centre
Program Updates
The Invasive Species Centre is excited to launch the Invasive Species Action Fund (ISAF), to support mapping, monitoring and control activities on invasive species in Ontario in 2023. There are three funding streams:

  • Microgrants – $2,000 funding cap
  • Accelerated Impact – $10,000 funding cap
  • Transformative Action – $25,000 funding cap (Note: exceptional projects up to $50,000 will be considered)

Applications are due Wednesday, June 7 at 11:59 p.m.


Training Program
The ISC online Training Program has a new course: Spotted Lanternfly Training. The Training Program also includes the Oak Wilt Training and Invasive Forest Pest Training courses, where you can learn to identify and report hemlock woolly adelgid (which was recently detected in Hamilton, Ontario), spongy moth, emerald ash borer, and more. Courses are for anyone wanting to learn more about these invasive species and their impacts to the environment, economy, and society in Canada.
Species Updates
HWA Detected in Hamilton
Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) was detected in Hamilton, Ontario at the end of March. Visit our website to access resources, including webinars presented by HWA experts, about this invasive insect and how you can do your part to prevent it.
New Paper: New records of Nitidulidae (Nitidulidae, Coleoptera) species in Canada, Ontario, and Manitoba
New Giant Hogweed Best Management Practice Technical Document for Land Managers
This article was published in ZooKeys by Dr. Sharon Reed from the MNRF and David Dutkiewicz from the Invasive Species Centre. This article is part of Dr. Reed’s continuing research on nitidulidae (sap beetles) and their association with oak wilt disease. David has worked closely on this project by providing identification expertise.
Giant hogweed is a large invasive plant with small white flowers. It has a phototoxic sap that, when exposed to UV light, can cause severe burns on human skin.

The Invasive Species Centre and the Ontario Invasive Plant Council have developed a new technical document to help manage this species. It includes information on safety, manual removal and disposal, chemical control and more.
New and Notable
Own the Science Podcast
World Water Day
Experts from the ISC joined Own the Science's series on invasive species.

Listen to part three of the series to learn about how to prevent the spread of invasive species or catch up on the previous two episodes created in partnership with the ISC!
The ISC celebrated World Water Day 2023 on March 22 with the theme ‘Be the Change.' Click here to learn five ways you can Be the Change and help prevent the spread of invasive species in waterways in Canada.
Camping Itinerary – A Guide on How to Do Your Part to Prevent the Spread
New Study Compares the Costs of Biological Invasions to Natural Disasters
How Paddlers Can Help Prevent the Spread Invasive Species
Read on to plan the perfect camping trip where you can enjoy your favorite summer activities while still preventing the spread of invasive species.
A new study released on March 17, 2023 revealed that biological invasions from invasive species are as economically devastating as these more well-known phenomena, underscoring the importance of action and preventative measures.
Paddling by canoe, paddleboard, or kayak is an excellent way to enjoy nature and has many health benefits for both mind and body.
Watercrafts like kayaks, canoes and paddleboards can also carry invasive species.
Find out more about how you can help prevent the spread.
Events
Himalayan Balsam Community Science Campaign
This summer, environmental organizations across the city of Sault Ste. Marie are coming together to engage the community in a city-wide environmental stewardship campaign! Through teamwork and cooperation, we will launch a city-wide campaign to educate and inspire the community in protecting their local environment. Sign up to receive updates on how you can participate.
Submit your abstracts for the 23rd International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species
The 23rd International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species will take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, from May 12 – 16, 2024.

The ICAIS 2024 call for abstracts is now open! We're inviting the submission of 300-word abstracts for oral and poster presentations, and special sessions and workshops addressing invasive species issues in aquatic environments. The submission portal
will open June 2, 2023.

Please submit before Monday, September 18, 2023.

If you have any questions, please contact icais@invasivespeciescentre.ca.
Upcoming Webinars
The Invasive Species Centre is collaborating with experts in the field of invasive species management, prevention, and monitoring to discuss different topics each month.

Visit our webinar page to rewatch past webinars and stay tuned for our 2023 lineup.
A Look Back at Recent Events
AIS Outreach: Don't Let it Loose!
The ISC has been active in spreading the message among pet owners to not let it loose! ISC team members were busy this spring at the Edmonton Pet Expo, Canadian Pet Expo, and Toronto Sportsman Show speaking with pet owners and anglers about not letting any species loose into natural waterways at the risk that they become invasive.

The ISC was also able to learn from and collaborate with the Alberta Invasive Species Council on their tools for managing invasive species in Alberta at their annual conference in March with a special focus on Don't Let It Loose messaging!
EDDMapS Summit
Great Lakes Outdoor Show
On April 20, 2023 the North American Invasive Species Management Association hosted a one-day training and update summit for EDDMapS.
EDDMapS is a web-based mapping system for documenting invasive species and pest distribution.
The ISC attended Sault Ste. Marie's annual Great Lakes Outdoors Show. We were in good company with other booths promoting outdoor services and experiences available in the Algoma region.
A Celebration of Women in STEM
Science Festival
The ISC hosted a booth at 'Boundaries, Barriers and Balance,' an event in Sault Ste. Marie which highlighted the accomplishments of women in STEM in celebration of International Women's Day in March.
The ISC celebrated science, technology, and innovation at the annual Sault Ste. Marie Science Festival from April 25 - 29. Students and families participated in demonstrations, presentations, and hands-on activities, like Cleaning, Draining, and Drying toy watercraft.
Other ISC News
Welcome New Staff Members!
Lauren Pezzutto in the role Research Support Officer

Lauren recently won a Clean North Award in recognition of being an active youth environmental steward who has led her school in environmental initiatives!
Brianne Grasley in the role of Invasive Species Natural Resources Technician
Kendra Jolley in the role of Partnership and Grant Coordinator
Mason Culp in the role of Invasive Species Natural Resources Technician
Follow us on social media.
The ISC attended Sault Ste. Marie's annual Great Lakes Outdoors Show, sponsored by Great Lakes Outfitters. We were in good company with other booths promoting outdoor services and experiences available in the Algoma region.