Season's Greetings from our Executive Director
Hello and Happy Holidays to all! My holiday present came early, as I had the honour to join the Invasive Species Centre team as Executive Director in late November. Further gifts came as I got to know the terrific team here at the ISC in Sault Ste. Marie, each with unique skills and creative energy.  We have wonderful programs running on forest invasives, Asian Carps and citizen science to name a few. I also greatly appreciate the gift of partnership with our many supporters, and I look forward to working with all of you in our common mission to protect Canada's lands and water from invasive species. 

One of my New Year's resolutions is to contribute to the ongoing success of the Invasive Species Centre using lessons learnt from my two decades of experience working with municipal, provincial, federal governments and Aboriginal communities, consulting businesses and non-profit groups. If you would like to know more about the ISC and my background please click below. The other resolution, perhaps like many of you, is to get outside more to enjoy this beautiful land! 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me (srang@invasivespeciescentre.ca) or any member of the ISC team to discuss new partnerships or ideas.  

Thank you to our wonderful Board members, the ISC team and all our supporters. May your holiday season have moments of peace and warmth. 

Best wishes,

Sarah Rang
The 2019 ISC Annual Report is available now!
The Invasive Species Centre had an exciting year that included events, growth in digital engagement, and an ever-evolving network of partners, collaborators, volunteers, and conservation enthusiasts. Check out the video below and download our fiscal 2019 Annual Report to find out what we’ve been up to in the last year! 
Economic impacts of invasive species
By: Drew Hodgson, ISC Communications Coordinator

A 2019 report from the Invasive Species Centre calculates that Ontario municipalities and conservation authorities spend an estimated $50.8 million per year on invasive species management. The cost is felt most in urban areas, where expenditures are estimated at over $1 million annually per municipality.

When surveyed, invasive species managers in Ontario municipalities and conservation authorities indicated that emerald ash borer continues to be the costliest species. Collectively, close to $30M was spent last year managing emerald ash borer alone. Other notable species include zebra and quagga mussels, gypsy moth, and invasive plants such as phragmites and wild parsnip, which combined cost almost $20M across Ontario to manage.   
Click on the photo to view the expenditure report
Click on the photo to view the fact sheet
What happens to invasive species in the winter?
By: Meaghan Luis, ISC Business Development & Communications Coordinator

With winter arriving in Canada, the scenery of fully leafed plants and active wildlife transitions to quiet, snowy winters. With this change in seasons, invasive species may become out of sight and out of mind. But they always seem to come back every year. So where do they go in winter? Researchers are working to answer this question by investigating how invasive species behave and how they are equipped to survive the winter and re-emerge when warmer temperatures return.
Partners team up to ruffle some (parrot) feathers
By: Kyle Borrowman, Ducks Unlimited Canada

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is working closely with the Invasive Species Centre (ISC) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to manage two sites where parrot feather was discovered in ponds, successfully limiting the potential for this invasive plant to spread locally.  

Some of the most troublesome aquatic weeds were once highly regarded for their unique growth, ease of cultivation and sheer beauty. One plant that truly stands out, figuratively  and  literally, is parrot feather ( Myriophyllum aquaticum ). With its vibrant-green feathery leaves emerging high out of the water, parrot feather’s popular use in the water garden and aquarium trade is easily understood. 
Hemlock woolly adelgid is now in Ontario and our hemlocks need your help!
By: Colin Cassin, ISC Policy & Program Analyst

Hemlock fans, I have some bad news for you. There is a new forest pest in Ontario that requires your attention. Now, if the name hemlock woolly adelgid sounds familiar to you, it may be because in the last decade two populations of HWA were detected and eradicated in Ontario. Immediate action was taken in both instances and our woodlots have enjoyed several HWA-free years as a result.

Protecting our hemlock trees from this serious invasive species threat is important for a few reasons. First, the tree’s dense foliage provides a unique set of conditions for many wildlife, such as overwintering deer. Secondly, hemlocks have provided a number of important cultural assets such as use of hemlock bark and other parts of the tree for dyes, teas and other uses. Lastly, this versatile species can be formed into a shrub or tree, making it a valued species for use in horticulture and landscaping. Unfortunately, those features and many others are being lost in neighbouring states and those provinces where HWA is established.
Report of Japanese Stiltgrass in Niagara Region
Contributed by: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of a population of Japanese stiltgrass ( Microstegium vimineum ) in Southern Ontario. This invasive plant is regulated as a pest under the CFIA’s Plant Protection Act. This is the first known occurrence of this plant species in Canada. The site is under official control by the CFIA with collaboration from partners with the aim to prevent further spread.

New team members welcomed at the ISC! 
This November, the ISC was fortunate to welcome two recent university graduates to fill NOHFC internship positions that will contribute to outreach, programming, business development and communications efforts. Liam Brechin joined our team as the Business Development & Communications Intern, and Kristin Palilionis joined our team as the Policy and Program Development Intern. We look forward to having Liam and Kristin learn and grow with us over the course of our time together!
Liam Brechin

Alma Mater:
University of Ottawa

Program:
Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Management)

Least Favourite Invasive Species:
Spotted Lanternfly

Bucket List Destination:
Egypt

Favourite Childhood Cartoon:
Invader Zim
Kristin Palilionis

Alma Mater:
University of Ottawa

Program:
Honours Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)

Least Favourite Invasive Species:
Wild Parsnip

Bucket List Destination:
Antarctica

Favourite Childhood Cartoon:
Arthur
RECENT EVENTS
International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species 2019

The 21st International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species was a great success! This year, the conference took place in Montreal, Quebec from October 27-31 and emphasized emerging and novel research in invasion ecology and its applications. ICAIS 2019 brought 244 attendees from across the world, including researchers, industry professionals, students, and early-career professionals from 22 countries. There were seven exceptional keynote presentations by a diverse group of leading international scientists, 121 oral presentations in concurrent sessions, and 49 poster presentations. Tailored activities drew 49 students and 24 early career researchers aand a brand new special session explored invasive species management across freshwater, marine and terrestrial disciplines. Stay tuned for details on the next ICAIS!
Northern Ontario First Nations Environment Conference 2019

The Invasive Species Centre presented at the Northern Ontario First Nations Environment Conference this past October. The event was held in Thunder Bay with a focus on connecting professionals from First Nations communities to networking opportunities, meeting representatives from organizations interested in First Nations concerns and accessing training related to the environment. We presented on invasive species concerns in Northern Ontario and how to detect and manage the environmental threats they pose.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Field Tours

This November, the ISC hosted hemlock woolly adelgid field tours in partnership with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Silv-Econ, Ltd. These tours took place in the Niagara region of Ontario, at a site where HWA has been recently detected, and welcomed nearly 80 participants. These groups had the opportunity to see hemlock woolly adelgid up close, learn sampling basics, and take away best practices for prevention!
Exhibit Launch at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

The ISC and Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre were proud to announce the official opening of a new exhibit exploring the threat of invasive species to Canada’s land and water this quarter. The exhibit, housed at the Bushplane Centre, offers exciting and interactive opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn about invasive species and includes 3D Asian carp replicas, a log damaged by the infamous emerald ash borer, and a tank of live sea lamprey. This prevention tool is the result of multi-partner collaboration and thanks go to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Kiwanis Clubs of Sault Ste. Marie and Lakeshore, Ontario Works, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Rural Agricultural Innovation Network, Natural Resources Canada, and City of Sault Ste. Marie for their contributions.
NRCan Forest Pest Management Forum

On December 3-5, ISC staff attended the 62nd Annual Forest Pest Management Forum in Ottawa, Ontario and we learned about the state of pests in Canada’s forests, discussed new technology, and research findings from the past year. Organized by Natural Resources Canada, this forum is the largest and most significant meeting of forest pest management experts, managers, and practitioners in Canada.
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