Invasive Species Centre

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 General Info Session
2024-11-28 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
ISAF General Info Webinar Registration – Zoom

Monthly Webinar Series: NEW RESOURCE - Assessing the Risk Posed by Spongy Moth to Canada’s Forests
2024-11-27 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | 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.

NAISMA Webinar - Stop the Spread: Essential Campaigns for Preventing Invasive Species
2024-11-20 15:30 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | 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

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

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.

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

Ontario Forest Health Review
2024-10-23 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | 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.

Asian Longhorned Beetle Workshop
2024-10-22 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | 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

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.

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.

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.

The 32nd North American Invasive Species Management Association NAISMA Annual Conference
2024-09-30 - 2024-10-03 | Missoula, Montana
The 32nd NAISMA Annual Conference will be co-hosted with the Montana Invasive Species Council. They expect 350+ attendees from a broad range of backgrounds, invasive species, and natural resource professions to attend from across North America and beyond. This year’s theme will highlight the foundations needed to implement management strategies that work, partnerships that impact diverse geographies, and policy and funding successes that can be tailored to fit your landscape.

Annual Environmental Symposium - Prince Edward County is an Island: Climate Impact on Shorelines, Natural Habitats and Wetlands
2024-09-28 09:30 - 15:30 (America/Toronto) | Isaiah Tubbs Resort & Conference Centre 1642 County Rd 12 Prince Edward, Ontario K0K 2T0 Canada
The West Lake Community Association (WLCA) will be holding its 3rd annual Environmental Symposium on Saturday September 28th. This event is open to the Public, and will be held in MacDonald Hall on the Isaiah Tubbs Resort property. Sign-In will begin at 9:00 am with the first Speaker at 9:30 am.

The theme of this year’s symposium is:
“Prince Edward County is an Island…Climate Impact on Shorelines,
Natural Habitats and Wetlands“

Pre-registration is required. Registration is now open, and closes on September 14th

MAISRC AIS Research and Management Showcase
2024-09-25 08:30 - 17:30 (America/Toronto)
The Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) invites you to our annual AIS Research and Management Showcase on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 8:30am – 5:30pm CDT. This one-day, in-person event is a chance to hear updates from the research teams on their latest discoveries in the world of aquatic invasive species (AIS).

Paddle With a Purpose
2024-09-14 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | Young’s Harbour Park in Keswick.
Due to the weather forecast for this upcoming weekend, we have made the decision to postpone the Paddle with a Purpose event at Young’s Harbour Park in Keswick.

The event has been moved from this Saturday, September 7th to Saturday, September 14th at 10am.

If this is your first time hearing, water soldier was recently detected in Lake Simcoe, and we need your help! Volunteers will learn more about identifying, reporting, and managing this invasive species.

Volunteers must bring their own canoe or kayak and personal safety gear and registering in advance is encouraged. Register by email to jordan_mcdonald@ofah.org or calling 705-748-6324 ext. 225, or 1-800-563-7711.

73rd annual North Central Forest Pest Workshop
2024-09-09 - 2024-09-12 | Water Tower Inn, 360 Great Northern Road, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada P6B 4Z7
Registration is now open for the 73rd annual North Central Forest Pest Workshop. NCFPW 2024 will be centered around “Changing Forests, Changing Technology”. The meeting format will include a field tour, provincial and state forest health reports, a student presentation competition and research presentations on topics including, beech regeneration, UAVs, balsam woolly adelgid, oak wilt, and beech leaf nematode.
This in-person event will take place in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

NEOBIOTA 13th Annual International Conference on Biological Invasions
2024-09-03 - 2024-09-06 | University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
NEOBIOTA addresses theoretical and applied aspects of biological invasions, but also aims to educate the public and consult policy makers

Paddle with a Purpose
2024-08-29 | Youngs Harbour Park, 601 Lake Dr. S. Keswick, ON
Grab your canoe or kayak and join the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters on the water to learn more about identifying and reporting invasive species.
RSVP Today and join the event on Saturday, September 7 at 10:00 am.
Register by email to jordan_mcdonald@ofah.org or by calling 705-748-6324 ext. 225, or 1-800-563-7711.

World Water Week
2024-08-25 - 2024-08-29 | Online
World Water Week is the leading conference on global water issues, held every year since 1991. A non-profit event, co-created with leading organizations, World Water Week attracts a diverse mix of participants from many professional backgrounds and every corner of the world.
The theme, Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future, asks us to recognize the regional and global interconnectivity of communities and nations, and underscores the collaborative effort needed to achieve a peaceful and sustainable future.
Participate online for free

Bay of Quinte Invasive Species Information Session
2024-08-22 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | 2061 Old Highway 2, Belleville, ON
Uncover invasive species in the Bay of Quinte and learn how to protect local waterways at Quinte Conservation’s Bay of Quinte Invasive Species Information Session on Thursday, August 22 at Quinte Conservation’s Main Office.
This event is made possible thanks to the support of Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).
Event highlights:
6:30 PM – Doors open, community groups/organization booths, refreshments
7 PM – Water Soldier Presentation (Q&A to follow)
7:40 PM – Grass Carp Presentation (Q&A to follow)

Webinar: Dutch Elm Disease and Resistance
2024-08-21 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
For nearly 10 decades, the invasive DED pathogen Ophiostoma novo-ulmi has been decimating American elms (Ulmus americana) and other native elm species in Minnesota and across the country. The American elm once lined streets across Minnesota, and for good reason. Its elegant form and tolerance to the harsh urban environment made it one of two premier canopy species. American, along with red (U. rubra) and rock (U. thomasii) elm, also provide critical benefits to ecosystem functioning, wildlife, and insects. Control measures so far have relied on sanitation and chemical control, both of which are expensive methods considering the large numbers of trees affected. Varied disease resistance has been identified in a small number of elms; however, additional genetic diversity is needed to combat a pathogen that has a changing virulence. This elm selection program is aimed at identifying, propagating, and screening survivor elms for DED tolerance from across the state of Minnesota. In addition, the reintroduction planting program will also return much needed DED resistant genotypes back into the landscape in both urban and natural forested landscapes.

EAB in British Columbia: How to Implement a Successful IPM Program
2024-08-15 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | 6804 Southwest Marine Drive Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
This in-person event will take place in Vancouver British Columbia, and feature insights and practical advice for managing EAB.

Join Lallemand Plant Care (previously known as BioForest) for a half-day event focused on emerald ash borer (EAB) preparedness. This in-person event will feature insights and practical advice from Elsa Cousineau, Technical Sales Representative, and Allison Craig, Manager, Urban Forest Health Services. Learn from their extensive experience managing EAB since its initial detection in North America in 2002.
This is an in-person event held at the UBC Botanical Garden Reception Room. Refreshments, snacks, and lunch will be provided. This event is free to register.
Times listed in Pacific Daylight Time

Beach Leaf Disease Workshop
2024-08-07 09:00 - 16:30 (America/Toronto) | Horseshoe Resort, 1101 Horseshoe Valley Rd W, Barrie, ON L4M 4Y8
The Invasive Species Centre, in coordination with Couchiching Conservancy and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, is hosting an in-person workshop to learn more about beech leaf disease in Ontario.
Limited seats are available! This is an in-person event which will take place in Barrie Ontario. Lunch will be provided. PLEASE NOTE: There will be an in-field component for this event. Please dress according to the weather.

Topic

9:00 AM
Registrations + Meet the Facilitators

9:15 AM
The Invasive Species Centre, Couchiching Conservancy, and Community Science

9:45 AM
Coffee Break + Breakfast Pastries

10:00 AM
Beech Leaf Disease 101

12:00 PM
Identification

12:30 PM
Lunch, provided.

1:30 PM
Microscope and sample Viewing

2:30 PM
Reporting

3:00 PM
Field Tour

4:30 PM
Day Concludes

In coordination with MNR Science and Research and Couchiching Conservancy

Call for Proposals - Wildfires, Climate Change, and Invasive Species Conference
2024-08-01
The Wildfires, Climate Change and Invasive Species Virtual Conference, hosted by the Canadian Council on Invasive Species, aims to bring together researchers, Indigenous peoples, policymakers, and practitioners to identify synergistic relationships between climate change, wildfires and invasive species, and explore solutions to the changing landscape of fire management.
Proposals Due – August 1, 2024
Conference Date: November 19, 2024
The Canadian Council on Invasive Species invites submissions for presentations from partners and experts with diverse perspectives that will contribute to a deeper understanding of the following topics (not limited to):
The role of climate change and/or invasive species in exacerbating wildfire frequency
and intensity.
Impacts of wildfires on ecosystems, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.
Interactions between wildfires and invasive species: role of wildfires on the spread of invasive species.
Innovative approaches for predicting and mitigating wildfire risk in a changing climate.
Wildfire management as a potential vector of invasive species spread.

An Introduction to Woody Invasive Plants
2024-07-18 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto) | Online
This 1.5 hr session will cover the biology, life cycle, habitat, pathways of spread and impacts of several invasive woody plants.

Webinar: Chondria tumulosa impacts to coral reefs in Hawaii
2024-07-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
Speaker: Dr. Heather Spalding, Associate Professor, College of Charleston

An Introduction to Aquatic Invasive Plans
2024-06-20 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto) | Online
This 1.5 hr VIRTUAL session will cover the biology, life cycle, habitat, pathways of spread and impacts of several invasive aquatic plants that have negative impacts on Ontario’s environment, economy and society.

Webinar: Live Long and Prosper: Protecting Ash Trees and the Ash Resource from Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
2024-06-19 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
This webinar will address options for protecting valuable ash trees in landscapes from Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) with systemic insecticides. Tactics to integrate systemic insecticides with other EAB management tactics in forested areas, as well as landscapes, will be included. It will cover some myths about treating ash trees that just won’t go away and talk about trunk injection and potential wounding. Factors related to the economics of treating vs removing ash trees will be included. Questions will be welcome!

Webinar: Live Long and Prosper: Protecting Ash Trees and the Ash Resource from Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
2024-06-19 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
Speaker: Dr. Deborah McCullough, Professor, Department of Entomology and Department of Forestry, Michigan State University
This webinar will address options for protecting valuable ash trees in landscapes from Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) with systemic insecticides. Tactics to integrate systemic insecticides with other EAB management tactics in forested areas, as well as landscapes, will be included. It will cover some myths about treating ash trees that just won’t go away and talk about trunk injection and potential wounding. Factors related to the economics of treating vs removing ash trees will be included. Questions will be welcome!
