Greetings from the Invasive Species Centre |
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Hello and welcome to the summer edition of The Spread!
It’s been an eventful summer season here at the Invasive Species Centre and for our partners. Thanks to an investment from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, we are able to support community groups with new grants for invasive species management under the new Invasive Species Action Fund and with Green Shovels Collaborative partners, under the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund.
This has been a summer of new detections as invasive species such as Oak Wilt, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, and box tree moth unfortunately expand their ranges. Like many of you, it was hard to see the first Canadian detection of the forest invasive Oak Wilt in the Niagara area, and then also near Barrie. Please see resources on our website to help us all keep an eye on the majestic oaks in our communities and forests, learn what to look for, and how to report to CFIA. The ISC and partners are working hard to help coordinate outreach, practical actions, and response plans.
We welcome your involvement in our free webinars, training programs, outreach campaigns, community events like Paddle with a Purpose and Himalayan balsam plant pulls. We are also encourage you to consider submitting an abstract and participating in the 23rd International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species, in Halifax from May. 12 - 16 2024.
We are always interested in new partnerships and new ideas - please contact me if you would like to discuss a new opportunity.
Best wishes
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Sarah Rang
Executive Director, Invasive Species Centre
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Oak Wilt Detected in Canada |
In June 2023, the first confirmed detection of oak wilt in Canada was found in a residential area in Niagara Falls, Ontario. A second detection was made in the township of Springwater, Ontario.
To help prevent the spread, movement restrictions are in place on affected properties. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is working with other federal, provincial, and municipal governments to survey the area and determine next steps.
Report any potentially infected trees to
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Signs of oak wilt
The signs of oak wilt are:
• Dull green, brown or yellow leaves
• Cracks in the trunk
• White, grey or black fungus
• Early and sudden leaf drop
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What you can do
• Don't prune oak trees between April and November
• Report suspected signs to the CFIA
• Check oak trees for signs of oak wilt
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Oak Wilt Online Learning
The Invasive Species Centre’s Online Oak Wilt Course has been designed to give you the knowledge and skills to understand, identify, and manage oak wilt in your community.
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Oak Wilt Expert Panel Q&A
Watch the Oak Wilt Question and Answer Expert Panel Webinar here.
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Invasive Species Action Fund Supports Ontario Communities and Organizations |
This year the ISC launched an updated version of our microgrants program.
The Invasive Species Action Fund (ISAF) is a grant program designed to facilitate on-the-ground management and monitoring of invasive species in Ontario. The program is made possible thanks to the support of Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
This year, we are pleased to support 172 communities and organizations in Ontario who are working hard to manage and prevent invasive species in Ontario. Learn more about funded projects.
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Another Successful Summer for Paddle with a Purpose |
As part of the ISC's European Water Chestnut Rapid Response Program, we held two paddling tours to provide opportunities for the local community to help. The tours took place on Thursday, July 7 from 9 a.m. to noon and on Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The tours were open to all community members who enjoy waterways in Niagara. Attendees learned how to identify EWC and report observations.
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On July 6, the first invasive Himalayan balsam plant pull event took place to kick-off the Sault Ste. Marie Himalayan Balsam Community Project, a collaborative project in partnership with the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Clean North, Sault Naturalists, Voyageur Trails Association, Science North, Lake Huron North, Sault College, Algoma University, and the Invasive Species Centre.
There are multiple ways to get involved and you can even get entered for a chance to win one of two $100 New North Greenhouse gift cards. Enter the contests by attending one of the next public pull events, add your individual pull efforts on our online form, or report Himalayan balsam to iNaturalist.
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The presence of box tree moth was recently confirmed at several retail locations in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador in June. This is the first presence of the pest in Canada outside of Ontario.
If you have recently purchased boxwood shrubs in these areas:
• check them for box tree moth
• report any sightings to the CFIA
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Did you know?
Adult European green crabs are extremely hardy and can survive out of water for over five days! This makes them easier to be inadvertently transported by motorboat or in shipping cargo.
Out of the 16 honeysuckle species found in Ontario, 4 are considered invasive including the amur, bells, morrow, and Tatarian honeysuckles.
Follow the links to learn more!
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Ontario Biodiversity Strategy 2023 - 2030 |
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Paddling is a great way to enjoy the many beautiful waterways across Canada, but did you know that your boat or paddleboard can act as a carrier for invasive aquatic species?
Read the latest ORCKA newsletter’s article “Clean, Drain, Dry” to learn more about the simple ways you can prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species this summer and keep our beautiful lakes and rivers healthy and accessible for generations to come.
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We're live on TikTok! Check out exclusive content about invasive species detection, management, and prevention by following @invasivespeciescentre.
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The Ontario Biodiversity Strategy is a call to action and guide for conservation organizations across the province, outlining the biodiversity goals for 2030 and beyond.
Goals include: 'To mobilize human and financial resources to scaleup actions to conserve biodiversity.' and to 'manage biodiversity sustainably in an inclusive and equitable way.'
Follow the link to learn more and download the complete strategy.
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Free workshop on spotted lanternfly in Prince Edward County
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The spotted lanternfly is an insect native to Southeast Asia and threatens native hardwood and fruit trees including cultivated grapesvines. Recent detections near the Canada/USA border, including in Buffalo, New York, have caused concern for its invasion into Ontario, threatening the province's $6.8 billion wine industry.
This in-person workshop is intended to provide stakeholders in Prince Edward County with information and tools to identify and report spotted lanternfly and its preferred plant host, tree-of-heaven.
The workshop is free of cost and is taking place on Thursday, August 3, 2023. Advance registration is required at the link here.
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ICAIS 2024 Call for Abstracts Now Open |
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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.
Please submit before Monday, September 18, 2023.
The Conference will take place May 12 - 16, 2024. Topics being addressed include management tools and innovations, industry, human behavior, policy, and environmental impact.
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The Invasive Species Centre is collaborating with experts in the field of invasive species management, prevention, and monitoring to discuss different topics each month.
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Save the date for he 2024 Invasive Species Forum, taking place from February 12 to 15. This year's theme is Invasive Species Forum is Empowering Action.
The virtual Invasive Species Forum is an annual event that brings attention to invasive species issues, research, and advances in prevention and management occurring across Canada, and in neighbouring U.S. States.
Sign up for our email list to be the first to get updates about the upcoming Forum.
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The conference theme is 'Foundations for Success' and it will include presentations on a variety of invasive species topics including from 3 keynote presenters. There will also be networking events and workshops lead by industry experts.
The Invasive Species Centre will also be presenting. Lookout the presentation: 'Using Community Science to Better Understand Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Distribution in Ontario' presented by: Derissa Vincentini (ISC) Victoria Derry (Natural Resources Canada) and Nicole Mielewczyk (Canadian Food Inspection Agency).
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A Look Back at Recent Events |
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EDDMapS is a web-based mapping system for documenting invasive species and pest distribution.
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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.
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Welcome New Staff Members! |
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Alex Pottekkat in the role of Entomology Research Intern |
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Jennifer Wagner in the role of Zooplankton Diagnostics and Research Intern |
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Follow us on social media. |
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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. |
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