FALL INTO THE SEASON
As I enjoy the fall season, I give thanks to everyone who supports the efforts of the Invasive Species Centre from our brilliant staff to partners, funders, volunteers, citizens scientists, workshop/seminar speakers and registrants, and anyone taking initiative to prevent the spread of invasive species. The Invasive Species Centre is committed to providing invasive species information based in science, and it is fulfilling to see Canadians use this information to take action. As you celebrate the autumn colours, continue to share your knowledge on invasive species by inviting interested colleagues, friends and family to join our network ."
Pest Alert! EAB detected in Nova Scotia
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been detected in DeWolf Park, Bedford, Nova Scotia. EAB is native to parts of Asia and is thought to have arrived in North America via international transportation of wooden packaging materials or shipping crates. Since its arrival, EAB has been rapidly spreading across North America, having devastating effects on the ash tree populations and killing up to 99% of ash trees in its path. Since its confirmed presence in Canada in 2002, EAB has been found in 35 states and five provinces (Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, New Brunswick and recently, Nova Scotia). The continual expansion of this pests’ range is concerning as it has already killed millions of ash trees across regulated areas in North America. 
Threat on the horizon: oak wilt
Oak wilt is a disease which threatens Canadian oak trees. Although the disease is not currently known to occur in Canada, it has been found less than ½ km from Ontario’s border making this disease a new invasive threat to Canada, especially to Ontario and Eastern Canada. Oak wilt can kill a healthy tree in as little as 3 weeks and is known to rapidly spread between neighbouring trees. Containing new infestations requires quick management intervention which makes having a network of trained tree care professionals particularly important. 
Save the date
Making policy changes in Ottawa
On October 9, 2018, the Invasive Species Centre was honoured to give a testimony to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources. We provided our insights on the spread of forest pests from the unique perspective of a not-for-profit collaborator who helps bridge research with the people who use that research. At the request of the standing committee, the Invasive Species Centre proposed the following next steps.
Parrotfeather removal a success
Swift action by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), with advice from the  Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry  and investment from the  Invasive Species Centre , ended in a successful removal of an aquatic invasive plant from a landscape feature in southeastern Ontario.

For nearly a decade, Karen Lavigne battled a fast-growing aquatic plant which would take over her small pond, year after year. Rapid response from resourceful parties prevent the spread of this invasive species into other natural environments.
Invertebrates, fish and plants, oh my!
On August 23 rd , the Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) Network Ontario hosted an Aquatic Invasive Species Workshop in Sault Ste. Marie. This full day event welcomed 35 members of the public, anglers, industry professionals, conservation groups, non-profit workers and government representatives.
Strengthening field staff insect recognition skills
The Invasive Species Centre’s insect diagnostician, David Dutkiewicz ventured out with MNRF forest health staff in August for an entomology field tutorial in the Shoals Provincial Park area near Chapleau, ON. MNRF staff Cheryl Widdifield (Chapleau/Wawa), Lia Fricano (Timmins), Chris McVeety (North Bay), and Ariel Ilic (Sudbury) participated in the tutorial, sharing information on native forest pest outbreaks, such as Aspen tortix and leaf-blotch miner that are visibly affecting trees across Northern Ontario.
Out for a blog with Ontario Parks
This past summer, the Invasive Species Centre was guest blogging with Ontario Parks to educate digital visitors on how to prevent the spread of invasive species. We talked about hiking with your dog, reporting with EDDMapS, fishing with bait, and preventing the establishment of Asian carps in the Great Lakes. Together, we generated 201,000+ social media impressions and 5,000 pages views of the blogs where visitors spent above average time on the pages. Check out the blog posts for yourself!
Students make a difference this summer
This past summer, the Invasive Species Centre’s Citizen Science and Outreach Student and the Invading Species Awareness HIT Squad Student, attended many outreach events across Sault Ste. Marie. We had booths at farmer’s markets, fishing events and popular walking trails, and hosted activities at summer camps and participated in a BioBlitz. The students shared outreach materials and displays about invasive plants, fish, invertebrates and insects and answered questions from visitors. They developed fun and educational activities for children attending summer camps. The students were able to speak to over 300 people and educate them about invasive species! Teaching people about invasive species impacts, identification features and what they can do to help are important steps in the prevention of invasive species. 
Kids of Algonquin Park prevent the spread

Upcoming events
Invasive species in the news
Giant goldfish are infesting Canadian waters

What is hogweed, the invading plant that burns and blinds?


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