Featured Archives – Invasive Species Centre

Invasive Insect, Spotted Lanternfly, Detected in Ontario and Canada for the First Time

A destructive invasive pest, spotted lanternfly, has been detected for the first time in Ontario and Canada. On September 15, 2026, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the first detection of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in Canada in Windsor, Ontario. Spotted lanternfly is known to damage and kill grapevines, causing significant impacts for the grape and wine industry. This pest could also have an impact on other Continue Reading

Simple actions to help protect Lake Simcoe this long weekend: Prevent the spread of water soldier

The Lake Simcoe Water Soldier Working Group is calling on residents and visitors to Lake Simcoe to Clean, Drain, and Dry their watercraft and equipment and report suspected sightings of water soldier outside of Cook’s Bay to prevent the spread of water soldier. Water soldier is an invasive aquatic plant Continue Reading

Art exhibition at Evergreen Brick Works raises awareness of potential spotted lanternfly impacts

To help kick off the Invasive Species Centre’s 15th Anniversary, the organization is pleased to partner with artist Laura Fedynyszyn to highlight the potential impacts of the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF) if it were to spread to Ontario. The exhibit Continue Reading

Protecting species at risk from invasive species starts at home this World Wildlife Day

Invasive species are regarded as the second greatest threat to biodiversity. For World Wildlife Day on March 3, we’re urging Canadians to take steps to prevent the spread of invasive species. Invasive species establish in ecosystems outside of their native Continue Reading

Invasive Species Centre Recognizes Leaders Protecting Land and Water at Annual Forum

The Invasive Species Centre (ISC) is pleased to celebrate excellence in invasive species prevention and management through the 5th Annual Invasive Species Centre Awards Ceremony. The ceremony took place during the ISC’s annual Invasive Species Forum – Canada’s largest virtual invasive species event. Invasive species Continue Reading

Good intentions, big consequences: Why responsible pet ownership matters this holiday season

If you’re thinking of gifting pets this holiday season, it’s important to ensure the new pet owner is prepared to properly care for the pet and understands the importance of not letting it loose. Aquarium life, such as fishes, invertebrates, aquatic plants, reptiles, amphibians, or mammals, can become Continue Reading

Protect lands and waters in Ontario: Apply to the 2026/27 Invasive Species Action Fund

Thanks to an investment from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Invasive Species Centre is accepting proposals to the Invasive Species Action Fund (ISAF) to facilitate on-the-ground monitoring and management of critical invasive species in Ontario. Municipalities, conservation authorities, Continue Reading

Enhancing coordinated action through the Ontario Phragmites Action program 

The Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program is pleased to announce that we’ll be supporting 87 new invasive Phragmites management projects in 2025 through the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund (IPCF). This funding is made possible thanks to an investment from the Continue Reading

Empowering on-the-ground action for local community groups through the Invasive Species Action Fund

September 10, 2025 Thanks to an investment from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Invasive Species Centre is supporting 115 new projects through the Invasive Species Action Fund (ISAF). ISAF empowers community groups, Indigenous organizations, and municipalities to take Continue Reading

Dude, where’s my dock? – Help prevent the spread of invasive Phragmites

Posted June 25, 2025 Have you noticed a tall, dense grass growing along the highways and shorelines in Ontario? What you may be seeing is invasive Phragmites – and once you see it, you can’t unsee it. The Ontario Phragmites Continue Reading

Category: Featured