Invasive Species Centre

Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference
2026-01-18 - 2026-01-20 | Sheraton Hotel Toronto, Ontario
Conference programming, including the opportunity to connect with your ROMA Board Zone Representatives and Zone Colleagues and attend additional workshops, begins the morning of Sunday, January 18. Plan to arrive Saturday so you can you don’t miss a thing.

Great Lakes Public Forum under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
2026-02-04 - 2026-02-05 | Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building at 77 West Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement calls for the United States and Canada to convene the Great Lakes Public Forum every three years to discuss progress made under the Agreement. The Forum also provides an opportunity for the public to provide feedback on the Progress Report of the Parties to the International Joint Commission, who is tasked with obtaining public feedback and advising on the implementation of the Agreement.

Webinar: Fighting Back Against Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: A Review of the Tools in the Toolbox
2026-02-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
This presentation will inform viewers of the unique lifecycle of HWA and the integrated pest management interventions available to landowners and managers such as silviculture and pesticide application. We will discuss the current monitoring efforts and programs in Ontario and some of the actions taking place outside of Ontario (i.e., biocontrol) to help mitigate the impact of HWA to hemlocks and ensure their future on the landscape.

NAISMA Webinar: Shaping Public Policy: Advocacy in Action
2026-02-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Political processes can be convoluted and esoteric, but remain key avenues for influence and the expression of public values. This webinar will illuminate the inner workings of Congress and federal agencies, and the methods available to make your voice strategic and effective when pushing for change.

ECO Impact
2026-02-19 - 2026-02-20 | Calgary, Alberta
Established in 2017, ECO IMPACT has become a cornerstone event for Canada’s Environmental Professionals. What began as a celebration of yearly achievements has evolved into a comprehensive platform that combines award recognition with professional development.

Seeking feedback on Ministry of Natural Resources’ draft Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan
2026-02-23
Submit your feedback by February 23, 2026
As part of Ontario’s ongoing commitment to preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species that threaten our environment, economy, and communities, I am pleased to share that the draft renewed Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan is now posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario.
The renewed Strategic Plan addresses the increasing and complex challenges posed by invasive species in Ontario. By strengthening coordinated efforts in prevention, early detection, rapid response, and adaptive management, Ontario is taking decisive action to safeguard biodiversity, reduce economic risks, and ensure the long‑term health of ecosystems that support jobs, recreation, and cultural values. These efforts help safeguard our communities and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Feedback received through the original Renewing the Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan proposal, along with engagement from partners and stakeholders, has informed the development of this draft. The renewed Plan outlines five goals that support a future where Ontario’s natural environment, communities, and economy are protected from the harm caused by invasive species. It also builds on the foundation of the 2012 Strategic Plan and the Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan: Review of Progress (2012–2022).
We invite your comments on the new policy proposal, Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan (ERO #025-1334), https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-1334, which is open for a 45‑day comment period from January 9, 2026, to February 23, 2026, on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. All feedback received on the draft will be considered in preparing the final Strategic Plan.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the draft further, please contact the Biodiversity and Invasive Species Section at invasive.species@ontario.ca.

USDA Cooperative Research Forum on Invasive Species
2026-02-24 - 2026-02-26 | Graduate Hotel in Annapolis, MD
Important Deadlines

The deadline for poster abstract submission is February 1, 2026.
The deadline for oral presentation abstract submission is January 9, 2026

Keynote Speakers: Wednesday Morning
Dr. Jennifer Koch, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station
The Tree Species in Peril Breeding Program
Dr. Jiri Hulcr, University of Florida, Entomology And Nematology Department
The role of AI in invasive species science and management
Session Topics: Wednesday and Thursday

Invasive Plants
Invasive Pathogens of Trees
Biological Control of Invasive Species
Area-wide Management of Invasive Species
Research Reports.

Webinar: Transforming the Problem: Using Invasive Species for Art, Craft and Woodworking
2026-02-24 01:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
From buckthorn to dog-strangling vine and phragmites, we’ll explore a few different ways to turn invasive species into art supplies. Artist and maker Kate Hayday will share a few projects she’s made using the invasive species found in her forest as raw materials. Needlefelting, natural inks and dyes, automata, and sturdy basket handles, this talk is all about finding beauty in unexpected places.

Insects and Climate Change Education Day
2026-02-24 09:30 - 13:30 | Online
Climate change is a concern across the Commonwealth. While many communities prepare by discussing improvements to infrastructure and disaster preparedness, managed and natural landscapes will demand attention too. We will highlight some of the manifestations of climate change, plant responses to those changes (trees and shrubs) and the interplay with insects (including pests).
Learn how:

Insect populations fluctuate in response to climate change.
Climate change affects the functioning & composition of our forests.
Urban heat islands and climate change increase urban tree stress & increase pest insect fitness (scale insects).
To be better prepared to predict and manage insect pest outbreaks caused by warming temperatures.

International Conference on Water Management Modeling
2026-02-25 - 2026-02-27 | The Westin Toronto Airport Hotel
The ICWMM brings together professionals from around the world to exchange ideas on current practices and emerging technologies in water management. Emphasis is on state-of-the-art computer modeling for resolving water quantity and quality problems in stormwater, wastewater, watershed, and water distribution systems.
Abstract submission deadline is February 1st, 2026.

Alberta Invasive Species Council 2026 Conference
2026-03-11 - 2026-03-12 | Olds College of Agriculture and Technology
A variety of sessions focused on invasive species as well as certified pesticide applicator credits and CEU credits will be offered. We will be hosting a poster session, a 50/50 raffle and opportunities for networking and sponsorship – please contact us at communications@abinvasives.ca to inquire.

2026 NE RISCC Symposium
2026-03-24 - 2026-03-25 | Online
Join us for two half-days of invasive species and climate change talks, panels, and workshops! The symposium is free and will take place on March 24 and 25, 2026 from 10AM – 3PM Eastern each day.

Biological control of introduced Phragmites australis in Ontario
2026-04-07 12:30 - 13:30 | Online
Presented by Dr. Ian Jones, Research Associate in the Smith Forest Health Laboratory at the University of Toronto
Introduced Phragmites australis (hereafter Phragmites) is one of the most invasive plants in North America. Classical biological control represents an affordable, and host-specific option to supplement existing management approaches. Dr. Jones will outline the process by which candidate biological control agents are selected, screened for host specificity, and released in their introduced range and provide an update of the Phragmites biological control program in Ontario, and the plans for its expansion.

2026 AIS Short Course
2026-04-29 - 2026-04-30 | Exploration Center in Missoula, Montana
Missoula County Department of Ecology and Extension is excited to be hosting the 2026 Aquatic Invasive Species Short Course!
The course will be held at the Exploration Center in Missoula, Montana on April 29th and 30th.
Join us in beautiful Missoula for two full days of hands-on workshops, panels, speaker sessions, and demonstrations!

2026 IAGLR-SCAS-SCSA Joint Conference
2026-05-25 - 2026-05-29 | Winnipeg, Manitoba
You’re invited to the joint conference of the International Association for Great Lakes Research and the Society of Canadian Aquatic Sciences—where global research on the world’s large lakes meets Canada’s rich tapestry of aquatic systems, from rivers and lakes to oceans and groundwater. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and advance our knowlege across scales and borders.
The conference theme—Connected Waters: Bridging Communities & Ideas—reflects our commitment to fostering dialogue across scientific, Indigenous, and local knowledge systems. It recognizes that healthy waters are sustained through relationships among diverse communities, disciplines, ecosystems, and ways of knowing, and it underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing aquatic challenges across Canada, the Great Lakes, and beyond.
Hosted by the IISD Experimental Lakes Area, the conference will be hybrid, so if you can’t make it to Winnipeg in person, you’re welcome to join us online. We hope to see you May 25–29, 2026.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Management Training for Practitioners
2026-06-26 09:00 - 12:00 | Arboretum (16 Old Guelph Rd. Hamilton ON)
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Arboretum (16 Old Guelph Rd. Hamilton ON)

Paid parking applies

For working conservation professionals who are either dealing with or preparing for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid on their property
Please come dressed for the weather. This program includes both an indoor and field portion. The outdoor portion will occur rain or shine, unless severe weather (thunderstorm) suspends the field portion

What you will learn:

The ecological importance of Eastern Hemlock and the imminent threat of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA)
HWA’s lifecycle and mechanisms of spread
HWA identification both in-person and in the field
How to develop an HWA survey program and examine different sampling techniques
Treatment options available in Ontario

By attending this event, you’re helping support the protection of Eastern Hemlock at RBG

24th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species
2026-08-23 - 2026-08-27 | Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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 (AIS) in freshwater, marine and estuarine environments.
ICAIS provides an international platform for the presentation of research to advance global action to limit the introduction and spread of AIS worldwide and serves as a catalyst for international collaboration on research and management projects.

5th International Congress on Biological Invasions
2026-09-01 | Perth, Western Australia
From Threats to Solutions: Advancing Biosecurity

Postponed to September/October 2026
Perth, Western Australia

Neobiota 2026, the 14th International Conference on Biological Invasions
2026-09-07 - 2026-09-11 | Brussels Belgium
The International Neobiota conference is an initiative from Neobiota, the European Group on Biological Invasions.
It is part of a well-established biennial series that brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world to share cutting-edge scientific research on biological invasions.
This year, the conference features a rich programme including Thematic and General Sessions, keynote speakers, poster and oral presentations, and a field trip.
Neobiota 2026 also welcomes the final event of the LIFE RIPARIAS project, which focuses on transitioning from data to management of biological invasions.

2026 Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference
2026-10-06 - 2026-10-08 | La Crosse Convention Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin
The Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference (UMISC) is a biennial conference that addresses all taxa of invasive species. In 2026, UMISC will celebrate 18 years of connecting the invasive species management, research, and policy community. The goal of UMISC is to strengthen management of invasive species, especially prevention, control, and containment. There have been great strides in invasive species research, prevention, and management, but much work still must be done. The conference provides numerous opportunities to network with professionals, land managers, researchers, nonprofits, and others.

The 2026 NAISMA Annual Conference
2026-10-19 - 2026-10-22 | Alexandria, Virginia
NAISMA’s 2026 Annual Conference will take place at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, just minutes from Washington, D.C. This event brings together invasive species management professionals, researchers, educators, and policymakers from across North America to share ideas, innovations, and strategies for protecting natural ecosystems.
