2010 Stiltgrass Summit Presentations Online

Now available online are the twelve presentations from the 2010 Stiltgrass Summit held in Carbondale, Illinois in August. Topics include, but are not limited to ecology, impacts and control strategies for Microstegium vimineum, Japanese stiltgrass. Keynote speakers for the summit were Dr. Les Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut/Invasive Plant Atlas of New England and Mike Ielmini, National Invasive Species Program Coordinator, USDA Forest Service. To see the presentation online, click here.

New Invasive Clam Found in Lake George

Scientists from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Darrin Fresh Water Institute (DFWI) discovered a new fresh water clam species in Lake George. The species called Corbicula fluminea poses threats to native mussels and the ecosystem. Originally from Asia, the clam is capable of self fertilization, crowding native species, and capable of achieving great densities. The next move will be for the scientists to determine the extent of the invasion. Click here to read more.

Burning Invasive Juniper Boosts Native Herbaceous Perennials Recovery

USDA Agricultural Research Service rangeland scientists have discovered that burning invasive juniper trees  reduces the wildfire risk from the dead trees and helps keep invasive grasses at bay which helps recovery of native perennial plants. To read more click here.

Most Expensive Non-Native Pests

A list of the top ten most expensive non-native pests has been released. Surprisingly, Asian carp is not at the top. Click here to see which species made the list.

Douglas W. Tallamy is the Keynote Speaker at Open the Garden Gate

“As gardeners and stewards of our land, we have never been so empowered to help save biodiversity from extinction, and the need to do so has never been so great. All we need to do is plant native plants!” (Doug Tallamy; Bringing Nature Home). Coastal WildScapes and The Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve have two events in Richmond Hill, Georgia this September which feature Douglas W. Tallamy as the keynote speaker. For more information and to register for these events click here.

EDRR Survey Leader Training in Fairfax County, Virginia

Seeking volunteers in Fairfax County, Virginia to participate in an Early Detection and Rapid Response program. Training includes identification of invasive and native species for survey leaders and program participants. To see a calendar with dates and places for the training click here. To contact Coordinator click here.

Monkey Adopts Kitten

In Bali, Indonesia, a wild monkey has adopted a kitten and is caring for it on its own. Click here to view pictures of the monkey protecting and loving the kitten.