The Spread Newsletter: Spring 2018
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Spring has sprung here at the ISC and as we wait for the snow to melt, staff here have certainly not been hibernating over the last few months. We are continuing to build upon the successes that have been highlighted recently in our 2017 Annual Report . More than ever our focus has been making connections through collaborative events, communicating science through multi-media platforms and heightening policy knowledge. Read on to learn about the great work that we’ve been doing with our partners and don’t forget to encourage colleagues, family and friends to join our network.
Executive Director
Ontario's Community of Practice talks Strategy
The Forum, hosted by the Invasive Species Centre, with support from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, aimed to foster an invasive species community of practice within Ontario and inform the province’s strategic planning regarding invasive species. Those working in the field of invasive species management were invited to share updates, best practices and lessons learned. Discussion topics included...
Oak Wilt: An Invasive Pathogen on Canada's Doorstep
On February 28th, the Invasive Species Centre hosted an Oak Wilt Workshop with support from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF), and the Regional Municipality of York.  
Got Hemlock?
Contribute data to build a hemlock distribution map in Ontario! This species is threatened by the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA).
Something big, bad and ugly at the Toronto Zoo!
On Feb. 15 th , the Invasive Species Centre with the Toronto Zoo, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry launched The Big, Bad, and Ugly Asian Carp exhibit at the Toronto Zoo, creating the opportunity to see and experience live Asian carps for the first time in Canadian history! 
Aliens Among Us: Asian Carp Information Sessions
The Invasive Species Centre hosted two public information sessions. Participants were able to learn about tactics in use to prevent the entry of Asian Carps into the Great Lakes. These sessions provide a great opportunity for those in attendance to share their concerns, ideas, and ask questions.
New Webinar: Developing a Strategic Response Plan using Incident Command System (ICS) for Asian Carps in the Great Lakes
Presented by John Saunders, President/Owner of SEEMS and Becky Cudmore, Regional Manager, Aquatic Invasive Species Program at Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Improving Fish Identification
Invasive Species Centre staff attended a 3-day Fish Identification Workshop hosted by the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Presentations on different fish families were followed by hands-on identification exercises with specimens. This course was beneficial to Invasive Species Centre representatives as it gave them an opportunity to enhance their previous knowledge on native species that invasive fishes are often confused with.
I nvasive Species Awareness Week

The 2018 Invasive Species Awareness Week campaign was a huge success for the Invasive Species Centre and our partners. This year, we were able to leverage our social media platforms and reach thousands of users!
Upcoming Events
GTA Invasive Species Awareness Day
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Daniel Simberloff
April 21st, 2018
University of Toronto - Scarborough
Free Invasive Plant Workshop
April 22nd, 2018
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Quality Inn 9:30am - 3:00pm
More Events
On March 10th and 11th, the Machine Shop in Sault Ste. Marie hosted the annual Big Sport & Outdoor Show, a weekend inspired by outdoor lovers. The Invasive Species Centre staffed a booth to educate and engage local citizens on forest, terrestrial and aquatic invasive species found in and around the Algoma district.
Pest Profile
Self-reproducing, all-female mutant crayfish... sounds like sci-fi but it’s reality! 
Marbled crayfish ( Procambarus virginalis ) are unique female crayfish that reproduce via parthenogenesis; asexual reproduction without fertilization. In the late 1990’s, a German aquarium owner noticed a crayfish spike in his tank, and upon investigation, all individuals were found to be genetically identical females.
Invasive Species in the News!
Minister Gould announces 20 million dollar investment to fight Asian Carp
Invasive bloody red shrimp found in Lake Superior
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