Hot Fun in the Summertime
Summer is finally here at the ISC and the nice weather is energizing us in our efforts. This season is one of our busiest times as we try to connect with as many people and organizations about preventing invasive species, and this year is no different. Each summer, our staff reaches out to even more groups and citizens to share invasive species knowledge and innovation and offer services to prevent the spread of invasive species. We want to reach new audiences to achieve our vision of a Canada free from invasive species. I encourage you to read on to learn about the great work being done here at the ISC and invite your colleagues, family and friends to join our network
Gone fishin’
On June 26 and 27, ISC Staff attended the Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species meeting in Chicago Illinois. The meeting facilitated inter-jurisdictional and international information sharing between invasive species groups in the Great Lakes region. While in the area, ISC staff were invited to take part in Asian carp control and monitoring efforts led by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Illinois is the leading edge of the Asian carp invasion, and electric barriers are in place to prevent their entry into the Great Lakes. 
What's Changed Up North?
In April 2018, the Invasive Species Centre attended the Up North on Climate Conference held in Thunder Bay, ON. This was a 3-day conference that focused on the impacts of climate change and adaptation for First Nation communities of Northern Ontario. The ISC presented information about our work with communities to combat invasive species. The ISC staff sat on a panel to discuss and take questions from the group on invasive species and citizen science, the changing forest, and climate change adaptations. Additionally, our staff shared invasive species insect displays and answered questions from community leaders about spotting invasive insects and plants. Resource packages were given to communities that want to train community members as invasive species citizen scientists.
Water Soldier, Periwinkle and Goutweed,
Oh My!
The free event hosted by the Early Detection and Rapid Response Network Ontario welcomed 32 people and focused on identifying invasive terrestrial and aquatic plants in the Algoma region. Participants learned about species that a risk to the Algoma area, invasive plants that are already here, and how to identify and report them. Speakers included Lauren Bell of the Invasive Species Centre, Gabby Nichols of the Ontario Invasive Plant Council, and Robert Canning, an aquatic invasive plant expert. 
Invasive Species Control Costs Hitting Ontario Municipalities Hard
The ISC conducted a province-wide survey asking Ontario municipalities and conservation authorities what costs they incurred due to invasive species. Results were used to create a report and factsheet , which will be used to inform invasive species policy, education, and risk assessments. Total estimated expenditures on invasive species by conservation authorities and municipalities in Ontario is $38.8 million/year, with an estimated average expenditure of $381,403/year per municipality. The results emphasize the importance of prevention activities in municipal planning.
Scouts Help Pull Forty-Two Bags of
Garlic Mustard
The Early Detection and Rapid Response Network (EDRR) Ontario hosted its 3rd Annual Garlic Mustard Pull in Sutton Park, Sault Ste. Marie on May 26th. Over 25 volunteers came out to help remove this invasive weed. For the second year, the Scouts Canada Sault Ste. Marie Troop came out for their own pull following the main event. Sutton Park hosts the largest known patch of garlic mustard in Sault Ste. Marie and this year 42 bags were removed from the area!
Oak Wilt Interest Form
The Invasive Species Centre is planning for upcoming Ontario Oak Wilt workshops in 2018, and we need your input!

The goal of the workshops will be to create a network of oak wilt ambassadors, to provide specific tools and resources to the network, and to provide guidance on how attendees can raise awareness and facilitate action on oak wilt in their communities.

Complete the Interest Form below if you would like to be placed on our invitation/distribution list for these events and receive up-to-date information on location, dates, and venue.
Bug Talk
How to Identify Emerald Ash Borer
Announcements
Black Carp Set up Shop at the Toronto Zoo
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Management Plan for Canada
Meet the Japanese Beetle (Popillia Japonica)
As the name suggests , the Japanese beetle (JB) originates from Japan. JB is distinguishable; as an adult, it is about 10-mm long and 6-mm wide and has a metallic green head and metallic brown wing covers (Figure 1). It was first discovered in Canada in 1939 in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The JB is of concern because adult beetles are aggressive feeders. They attack foliage, fruit and flower of more than 250 plant species, including agricultural crops, ornamentals and nursery plants. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates all underground plant parts in soil or other growing mediums for JB.
The Japanese Beetle was recently discovered in the Vancouver area. Infestations and regulations are prominent in Eastern Canada. It is unknown how this species spread out west. As a result, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued an order that plants and soil can’t be taken from an areas that includes neighbourhoods in False Creek, Chinatown and Mount Pleasant.
Invasive Species in the News!
Invasive emerald ash borer confirmed in Edmundston, a 1st for Atlantic Canada

Using AI to help manage Canada’s invasive species

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