Invasive Species Ctr

Today, we heard from the Hon. Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. Minister Holland spoke about the benefits of trees and forests, while sending a message of hope by highlighting the past successful eradications of Asian longhorned beetle in the GTA.

Day 3 of the Invasive Species Forum started with remarks from the Hon. Todd J. McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. Minister McCarthy spoke about community-led stewardship and protecting species at risk, while highlighting projects supported by MECP.

Thank you to Hon. Minister Mike Harris for kicking off the 2026 Invasive Species Forum & highlighting on-the-ground impacts of the Invasive Species Action Fund, Invasive Phragmites Control Fund & other projects made possible with support from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

🎄Bring home an Ontario-grown Christmas tree to celebrate the season, support our farmers and help strengthen the local economy. Find a tree farm near you: ontario.ca/ChristmasTree @OntarioWood @ONresources

Today is Christmas Tree Day!🎄Celebrate this holiday tradition by choosing a real, locally grown tree and support the dedicated Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario. Find a tree farm near you: ontario.ca/page/choose-on… @OntarioWood @ONresources

We’re at the 49th Ontario Forest Health Review in Barrie today! We’re alongside many partners including Forests Canada, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Natural Resources Canada. We’re leafing 🍁here with a better understanding of Ontario forests!

🌲 Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is a tiny invasive insect that sucks sap from hemlock trees, weakening them and eventually causing tree death. 🙌 How to get involved: Help protect hemlock forests! 🔗bit.ly/45tSplk

🌊 Headed to the lake this long weekend? Don’t forget to Clean, Drain, Dry your boat and gear before hitting the road! ✔️ Clean off mud, plants, and critters ✔️ Drain all water from your boat and gear ✔️ Dry completely Learn more here! 🔗⁠bit.ly/3FC8qvh

Water soldier is an invasive plant that crowds out native species, alters water chemistry, and impacts recreational activities. The populations in the Bay of Quinte are currently being managed by Quinte Conservation. Report sightings on EDDMapS & always clean, drain, dry boats!

The Invasive Species Center is hiring a Terrestrial Programs & Outreach Coordinator who will work on a range of projects that enable better invasive species prevention and management outcomes. Learn more and apply by September 7:🔗bit.ly/3mkm4Ub

Speak in Belfast, Northern Ireland! | The hosts of ICAIS 2026 are accepting abstracts of oral and poster presentations until September 26, 2025. The conference theme is Transcending Boundaries. Click the link to learn more about topics to be addressed. bit.ly/4lA49Ys

Invasive Species Forum 2026: Save the Date! 📅✅️ The event theme is Progress Through Partnerships. Join us February 17–19, 2026 for Canada’s annual gathering on invasive species. Stay tuned — registration and full event details are coming soon!

📘Ontario Invasive Species Act 101 Introduced to stop invasive species from harming nature, the economy & quality of life. 31 prohibited species – no importing, owning, moving, or releasing. 16 restricted species – no selling, growing, or trading. 🔗 bit.ly/3fDMU90

UPCOMING EVENT | The AMO Conference is taking place August 17 to 20 in Ottawa. Visit the Ontario Phragmites Action Program booth to learn about the impacts of invasive species and the tools available to help municipalities manage Phragmites. Learn more: #events" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">ontariophragmitesaction.ca/#events

The Japanese beetle feeds on over 250 plant species and poses a major threat to Ontario's Greenbelt. Early detection is key—infested plants attract more beetles, and managing outbreaks is costly and difficult. 🔗 bit.ly/3U4Yw9g 🔗 bit.ly/3IUFwYI

🌳 FRENCH RESOURCE | Did you know? The Tree of Heaven species profile is available in French! Learn how to identify this invasive tree, understand its ecological impacts, and discover why reporting sightings to EDDMapS.org is important. 🔗 bit.ly/4mg5ap6

🌞 The long weekend is here! If you’re out boating, paddling, or camping, don’t forget to Clean, Drain, Dry before heading home. Learn more on how to prevent the spread here! bit.ly/44poxWA

🚨 Spotted Lanternfly Alert! Summer = peak season for this invasive pest. 🔎 Nymphs: red w/ black & white spots 🪰 Adults: grey wings, red underwings 👀 Check trees, gear, vehicles 📸 Snap it 🪤 Catch it 📍 Report it: bit.ly/38TXN38

The Invasive Species Centre is offering online training courses. 📚 Available Courses: 🎓 NEW! Marbled Crayfish Training 🎓 Asian Longhorned Beetle Training 🎓 FREE! Spotted Lanternfly Training 🎓 Invasive Forest Pest Training 🎓 Oak Wilt Training bit.ly/3FKC4es

The ICAIS 2026 call for abstracts is now open! We're inviting the submission of 300-word abstracts for oral and poster presentations addressing invasive species issues in freshwater, marine and estuarine environments. Learn how to submit your abstract: bit.ly/45hl7pj