Invasive Species Centre

Workshop: Protect the Greenbelt from Spotted Lanternfly
2024-10-03 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Lincoln Pelham Public Library – Fonthill branch, 43 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0
Join us for a workshop on preventing, identifying, and reporting spotted lanternfly. This invasive insect poses a significant threat to the ecology and agricultural production of Ontario’s Greenbelt. Participants will learn about spotted lanternfly’s impacts, how it spreads, and what they can do to help protect the Greenbelt from this invasive species. Open to vineyard owners and managers, woodlot owners, horticulturalists, government and conservation authority staff, gardeners, and all members of the public.

2024 Natural Areas Conference: Where Science Meets Stewardship
2024-10-07 - 2024-10-10 | Manhattan Convention Center, Manhattan Kansas
For the past 50 years, NAA’s Natural Areas Conference has gathered federal, tribal, state, regional, and local natural areas practitioners from national nonprofit organizations, private industry, and academic institutions in order to foster communication and collaboration that can lead to progress in connection to challenges in the management of natural areas.

Two Day Gathering - Future of Brown Ash Meeting
2024-10-08 - 2024-10-09 | University of Maine
A two-day gathering at University of Maine, Orono, to inform people about current research about brown ash forests and reconvene the community of people who care for brown ash. REGISTER HERE! There will be two days of discussions, talks, meals, and posters: You can find a shortened agenda here.

Asian Longhorned Beetle Workshop
2024-10-22 09:00 - 11:00 | Ron Kolbus Centre, Britannia Park, 102 Greenview Avenue, Ottawa
The Asian longhorned beetle (ALHB) training session is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools required to detect ALHB in the field. The format of the training will be a short presentation and discussion followed by a review of ALHB signs and symptoms simulated on trees in the park. The session will provide participants with an overview of ALHB biology, signs and symptoms of attack, surveillance methods for this pest and its’ background in Canada. the workshop will be a 1 hour lecture inside with 1 hour practical outside.
The session will take place at an ALHB simulation site, where artificially generated signs of ALHB have been placed on host trees. This will provide participants an opportunity to conduct a mock survey at the ALHB simulation site, to establish their search image for this pest and gain a familiarity of the signs of ALHB if encountered in the field.
Please dress appropriately as some portions will be outside.
This workshop is brought to you by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Regional Forest Health Network.

Certified Arborists will earn 2 CEU’s for attending the workshop.
Space is limited so please register no later than October 18, 2024 to:
Jim McCready
jdmccready@rogers.com

Ontario Forest Health Review
2024-10-23 10:00 - 15:00 | Barrie, Ontario
The Forest Health Review is an annual meeting to provide an update on the current status of forests in Ontario for forest resource managers, foresters, ecologists, conservation authorities, pest management companies, academics, municipalities, and others interested in forest resource management. Experts will present the latest information on forest health conditions, forest invasive pests, current and upcoming forest pest management programs, and the current year’s research results.

Public Consultation Period - A new directive to mitigate the introduction and spread of spotted lanternfly open for comments
2024-10-25
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has launched a public consultation to seek comments on the program directive D-24-01: Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) – domestic and import phytosanitary requirements.
This new directive describes the phytosanitary import requirements for nursery stock and logs of deciduous species with bark from regulated areas of the continental United States (U.S.) to prevent the introduction of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) into Canada. It also outlines the domestic requirements for these same articles moving from regulated to non-regulated areas in Canada to prevent the spread of this pest to non-infested areas.
How to participate

Review the directive D-24-01: Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) – domestic and import phytosanitary requirements
Email your comments to cfia.ias-eee.acia@inspection.gc.ca

Opened on August 29, 2024 and closes on October 25, 2024

2024 Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference
2024-11-12 - 2024-11-14 | Duluth Entertainment Convention Center in Duluth, Minnesota
The Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference (UMISC) is a biennial conference that addresses all taxa of invasive species. In 2024, UMISC will celebrate 16 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.

Wildfires, Climate Change & Invasive Species National Conference
2024-11-19 | Online
“Wildfires, Climate Change, and Invasive Species” is more than a conference; it’s a journey towards safeguarding our forests and biodiversity from the triple threat of wildfires, climate change and biodiversity. This event will:
Bring together partners with diverse perspectives to explore the topic and their roles in finding solutions
Provide an opportunity to educate, increase awareness and share knowledge in an effort to develop prevention strategies and solutions
Forge meaningful connections across sectors and borders

NAISMA Webinar - Stop the Spread: Essential Campaigns for Preventing Invasive Species
2024-11-20 15:30 - 17:00 | Online
Speakers: Jennifer Riddle (ISAN – Don’t Let It Loose), Laurel Downs (TNC – Don’t Move Firewood), Zach Burnside (Wildlife Forever – Clean, Drain, Dry), and Jeanine Neskey (MRP-APHIS, Squeal on Pigs).
Registration is free

Monthly Webinar Series: NEW RESOURCE - Assessing the Risk Posed by Spongy Moth to Canada’s Forests
2024-11-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Speaker: Mackenzie DiGasparro, Forest Pest Specialist, Invasive Species Centre

With recent increases in the detections of spongy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar) in uninfested areas of Canada, as well as outbreaks in areas where this pest is considered established, Natural Resources Canada – Canadian Forest Service, the Invasive Species Centre, and the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers collaborated to create this new spongy moth risk assessment. This webinar will outline the risk posed by spongy moth’s spread to currently uninfested forested areas across Canada, including the effect of climate change on the risk of spread and establishment of this insect. It will also cover the information needs that, once addressed, will help reduce existing uncertainties around spongy moth risk, and ultimately, will enhance the prevention and management of spongy moth in Canada.

ISAF General Info Session
2024-11-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
ISAF General Info Webinar Registration – Zoom

67th National Forest Pest Management Forum
2024-12-03 - 2024-12-05 | In-person at the Courtyard Marriott Downtown in Ottawa, Ontario and virtually via Zoom hosted by the Canadian Institute of Forestry.
Organized by Natural Resources Canada in support of the National Forest Pest Strategy, the Forum is the largest and most significant gathering of forest pest management experts, managers, and practitioners in Canada. The objectives are to share information on current and future forest health conditions, forest pest control operations, environmental issues, and the development of new technologies for forest health monitoring and management, as well as to discuss the latest research findings.
This event will take place in-person in Ottawa, Ontario and virtually via Zoom

ISAF In-Kind and Budget Info Session
2024-12-05 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
ISAF In-Kind and Budget Info
Webinar Registration – Zoom

Annual Biocontrol Summit: Aquatic Weed Biocontrol – Project Progress and Innovative Tools
2024-12-05 12:00 - 16:00 | Online
The North American Invasive Species Management Association’s 5th Annual Weed Biocontrol Summit will be held virtually on December 5, 2024, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm CST.
The Biocontrol Summit communicates the latest in classical weed biocontrol research to North American invasive plant managers and educators and aims to connect researchers and on-the-ground practitioners. This year, the NAISMA Classical Biocontrol Committee is highlighting the role weed biocontrol can play in managing invasive aquatic plant species throughout North America. Invited aquatic weed management and biocontrol experts will share updates in biocontrol development and innovative tools for improving integrated weed management

The Impact of Forest Pests and Pathogens on Climate Resilience
2024-12-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Healthy forests have a tremendous amount of potential to reduce and mitigate the impacts of climate change – but forest pests and pathogens can directly threaten those mitigations as they damage and kill trees across the landscape. Leigh Greenwood, Forest Pest and Pathogen Program Director for The Nature Conservancy, will discuss some key research on forest pest and carbon cycles, as well as outline some of the recent recommendations made to the US federal government on how to better plan for a healthier future in light of both climate change and invasive species impacts.

2025 New York Invasive Species Expo
2025-01-16 08:00 - 17:00 | Saratoga Spa State Park
Join the 2025 NYS Invasive Species Expo! This is a unique conference focusing on invasive species, and will combine classic presentations and creative use of outdoor space to appeal to a wide range of attendees. The Expo will be an immersive, hands-on experience featuring:

Unique presentations
Interactive demonstrations
Hands-on workshops
Small-group discussions
Field trips & outdoor activities

The Expo will be hosted within the unique, historic architecture of beautiful Saratoga Spa State Park and will be open to the public with no cost for general attendance.

2025 OIPC Conference - The Leading Edge of Invasion
2025-01-16 09:30 - 16:30 | Zoom Events
The 2025 OIPC conference theme is The Leading Edge of Invasion.This year’s theme will address how we can stay ahead of the “invasion curve”. It will showcase new and upcoming invasive species, cutting-edge research to detect and mitigate their impacts, and emphasize the importance of adaptive management strategies. This event will encourage people to explore innovative strategies, programs and partnerships to address the future spread of invasive species through a “leading-edge” perspective. Watch the OIPC website (https://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/) for event details such as session times, speakers and descriptions as information becomes available.

Click HERE to view the event agenda

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

Thursday, January 16th 2025 – 9:30am to 4:30pm (EST)– Ontario Invasive Plant Council Conference
OIPC members receive a discounted rate. Memberships purchased will be valid until March 31st, 2026.
Early Bird deadline is 11:59 PM EST on January 3rd, 2025! Don’t miss out!
Before the event, you will be emailed instructions on how to navigate the virtual platform.
Conference fees help the OIPC deliver on our mission to provide a coordinated provincial response to the growing threat of invasive plants through the variety of resources and products we create, such as best management practices, grow me instead guides, webinars and training opportunities.

2025 OPWG Annual Meeting - The Leading Edge of Invasion
2025-01-23 09:00 - 17:00 | Zoom Events
The Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC) is excited to present the Ontario Phragmites Working Group (OPWG) Annual Meeting happening onThursday January 23rd, 2025.
Jan. 23, 2025 from 9:00 am EST to 5:00 pm EST
The 2025 OPWG conference theme is The Leading Edge of Invasion. Although Invasive Phragmites is not a new invader, our understanding of this invasive plant, its “invasion curve” and its management are continuously evolving. This event will showcase cutting-edge research to mitigate the impacts of Invasive Phragmites and emphasize the importance of adaptive management strategies. It will encourage people to explore innovative strategies, programs and partnerships to address the future spread of Invasive Phragmites through a “leading-edge” perspective.
Register: https://events.zoom.us/ev/ApEZAUrxqnYGyAyHQEVwmPmOF_Wcv7ZSqLXBHqVd2YbzZSBLulau~AsRPkCaIhaQ1bB52y8cifnKUgdNUvppldGX0xIV7SSIE4Ad5Vnexqn_jXA

Indigenous Lands Symposium 2025
2025-02-03 - 2025-02-07 | Bawating Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Leave a legacy of healthy lands with us.
A catalyst event for Indigenous and Non-Indigenous partners to embrace sovereignity, innovation, collaboration, and culture within sustainable forestry.

Neeganii-Iishawin Gathering – Lands and Environment - 2nd Annual Northern Economic Development Gathering
2025-02-10 - 2025-02-13 | Valhalla Hotel & Conference Center, Thunder Bay, Ontario
After the success of our Inaugural Gathering & Tradeshow last year, we are excited to welcome our communities, entrepreneurs, economic development leaders, and partners once again!
Join hosts, the five partner organizations Windigo Community Development Corporation, Matawa First Nations, Keewaytinook Okimakanak, Shibogama First Nations Council and Independent First Nations Alliance in attending this highly anticipated Gathering focused on economic development, reconciliation and the promoting the inbuilt prosperity of Ontario’s north.
This Gathering will feature one of Northwestern Ontario’s premier business leaders, JP Gladu, as the Emcee to facilitate three incredible days of keynotes from eminent change-makers, networking opportunities and more as we, together, seek to build on the powerful foundation of First Nation business.

9th Annual Lands and Resources Forum
2025-02-11 08:00 - 2025-02-13 17:00 | Best Western, North Bay, ON

Great Lakes Fishery Commission's Technoscience Webinar: Real-time observing systems
2025-02-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Thursday, February 13th, 2:00-3:00pm EST: Real-time observing systems
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMucu-oqDMtGdC8ph4Qf5AT6i_cVAaYwdQE
Speakers:

Dr. Shelby Brunner, Dr. Jennifer Boehme, Great Lakes Observing System. “GLOS: A nexus of real-time information for multinational users”

Observations are essential to understanding the current state of the ecosystem, enabling direct measurements, future comparisons, and inclusion in models for validation purposes. Significant advances in real-time observation technologies and their applications have been made over the last 5 to 10 years, and GLOS has played a key role in the expansion of the Great Lakes observation system enterprise. The Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) offers centralized access to real-time observations in and around the Great Lakes, serving diverse user needs and connecting Great Lakes communities and ecosystems. GLOS’ data platform, Seagull, was launched in 2022 and specifically designed to prioritize the end user experience. We will highlight the existing real-time observing network and the data sharing platform supported by GLOS along with future plans related to ecosystem and fisheries management to support a resilient Great Lakes.

Dr. Aaron Fisk, Katelynn Johnson, Rylie Robinson, Todd Leadley and Lydia Paulic, Realtime Aquatic Ecosystem Observation Network (RAEON), University of Windsor. “Simultaneous detection of fish and collection of environmental data in the Great Lakes”

The Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation System (GLATOS) has revolutionized our understanding of fish movement and behaviour in the Great Lakes. As GLATOS expands to all corners of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem and to fish species large and small, there is the opportunity to understand how environmental conditions influence fish ecology that will ultimately improve fish management and conservation. Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and novel buoys now provide simultaneous measurement of environmental data and acoustically tagged fish in the Great Lakes. This seminar will highlight recent research in Lakes Huron, Erie and Ontario that demonstrate the potential of AUVs and buoys to quantify environmental conditions associated with fish detections and better identify the drivers of fish movement in the Great Lakes.

2025 Invasive Species Forum
2025-02-18 - 2025-02-20 | Online
Save the dates for the 2025 Invasive Species Forum! The upcoming Forum will take place from Feb. 18 to 20. The 2025 theme is Advancing Community Action.
The virtual Invasive Species Forum is a free 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.
Registration is now open for the 2025 Invasive Species Forum. Follow the link for more details on how to register.

The Forest Conference
2025-02-19 - 2025-02-20 | Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites, 5875 Airport Rd, Mississauga, ON L4V 1N1
Diverse, healthy forests sustain biodiversity, healthy people, and a healthy economy – but as we face the threats of a changing climate and biodiversity loss, it’s more important than ever that we get together to talk about how we can conserve, restore, and grow forests for the wellbeing of people and planet.

If you are passionate about Canada’s forests, you won’t want to miss our next annual conference featuring expert speakers, valuable networking opportunities, and informative discussions about the critical issues affecting Canada’s forested landscapes.

National Invasive Species Awareness Week 2025
2025-02-24 - 2025-02-28 | Various locations
National Invasive Species Awareness Week is an international event to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat that they pose, and what can be done to prevent their spread.

NISAW is led by The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) which supports local, state, tribal, federal, regional, and national organizations.

Visit their website for information on educational webinars, meetings, local events, and access to their social media toolkit.

Invasive Species in Our Forests: ISAW Livestream
2025-02-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Hosted by Forests Canada as part of Invasive Species Awareness Week
Invasive species can be found throughout Ontario, causing major impacts to our forests, communities and economy. This presentation for students grades 4-8 will look at what makes a species invasive and what invasive species can be found in Ontario’s forests. The presentation will also explore common invasive plants, fungi and insects and will teach students how they can help prevent the spread of invasive species.

Forest Pest Workshop
2025-02-26 08:00 - 17:00 | The Gasworks, 141 Park St N, Hamilton, Ontario, L8R 2N4, Canada
Celebrate Invasive Species Awareness Week by learning more about some of the invasives that threaten forests in Canada! Join us to hear all about hemlock woolly adelgid, spotted lanternfly, and beech leaf disease.
*This FREE workshop includes an outdoor tour of infested hemlock stands at Royal Botanical Gardens! Please dress appropriately for the weather.
*Use code ISAW2025 for a chance to win a $250 Atmosphere gift card. Please note, only those who use this code AND attend the workshop will be entered in the draw.
*Refreshments provided.
*Free take-home resources provided.
The Gasworks (in the Theatre Room)
141 Park St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2N4

EAB & Black Ash Workshop @ Science North
2025-02-27 09:00 - 15:30 | Science North, 100 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 5S9, Canada
Join us for a free full-day workshop at Science North in Sudbury, Ontario! Learn about the ISC’s latest initiative to mitigate the impacts of the emerald ash borer on surviving ash trees, with a special focus on black ash, a species at risk in Ontario. Hear from leading experts on the latest research surrounding emerald ash borer, the importance of seed collection for species conservation and preservation, and the Indigenous perspectives. Light breakfast refreshments and lunch will be provided. Registration is required to attend.
Location: Science North/Ramsey Room, 100 Ramsey Lake Rd, Greater Sudbury, ON P3E 5S9

Invasive Species Symposium: From Knowledge to Action
2025-02-27 13:00 - 15:30 | Zoom Events
Join us for a dynamic and impactful afternoon of learning and collaboration at the From Knowledge to Action symposium, part of Invasive Species Awareness Week. This event is designed for nonprofit organizations, community leaders, environmental advocates, and anyone passionate about preserving local ecosystems.
Attendees will gain critical knowledge about the threat invasive species pose to natural environments and communities. But knowledge is only the beginning—this symposium will also provide tangible strategies and actionable tools for making a real difference.
Presentations will focus on practical ways to manage invasive species, including community-based initiatives and education efforts. Participants will also get the chance to interact with speakers during a panel discussion.
Whether you are just starting your journey in invasive species management or are already involved in environmental work, From Knowledge to Action will equip you with the skills, resources, and inspiration to create lasting change.
Event Agenda

1 p.m. – Grow Me Instead | Presented by Emily Mitchell, Ontario Invasive Plant Council
1:20 p.m. – Mystery Snail Removal Program | Presented by Brook Shryer, Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
1:40 p.m. – FOCA Lake Associations: Taking Action Against Aquatic Invasive Species | Presented by Deanna Forgie, Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations
2 p.m. – Delivering Coordinated Phragmites Management | Presented by Luke King, Nature Conservancy of Canada
2:20 p.m. – Developing New Tools for Invasive Species Management | Presented by Matt Bolding, Ducks Unlimited Canada
2:40 p.m. – Eye Spy Spotted Lanternfly | Presented by Emily Posteraro, Invasive Species Centre
3 p.m. – Panel discussion

Unwelcome Guests: The Threat of Invasive Species
2025-02-27 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Introduction and moderation by Isabel Savransky, Sustainability Planner at Ontario Tech University.
The first presentation will be by Adam Peltenburg, a computer science student at Ontario Tech University. Adam will be presenting on his experience learning and identifying inavsive plants as well as the challenges he encourtered and what he learned working on the largest remaining wetland in the Greater Toronto Area.
The second presentation will be by Flavia Breje, a PhD candidate in Dr. Andrea Kirkwood’s Aquatic Ecology Lab, where she studies how aquatic plants and macroalgae in the Trent-Severn Waterway respond to environmental stressors. Her presentation will focus on the response of the invasive macroalga, starry stonewort, to lakewide algal blooms in Lakes Simcoe and Scugog.
The final presentation will be by Dr. Laura Meyerson, a professor at the University of Rhode Island in the Department of Natural Resources Science where she conducts research, teaches courses on invasion science and restoration ecology, and trains graduate students. Her presentation will be on non-native species on Indigenous people’s lands.
