Mile-a-minute vine (Persicaria perfoliata) found in North Carolina

Persicaria perfoliata is established for the first time in North Carolina in at least three populations in north central Alleghany County. See article here: http://www.phytoneuron.net/PhytoN-Persicariaperfoliata.pdf

REDDy: Reptile Early Detection and Documentation Observer Training Course

Several species of large, carnivorous lizards and snakes native to other parts of the world have been introduced and are now established in central and southern Florida. Some of these species--such as Nile Monitor Lizards and Burmese Pythons--are likely causing harm to our native ecosystem. Other species, such as Anacondas, have been found in Florida but are not yet believed to be established and breeding. Early detection and rapid response networks are the key to preventing new introductions and preventing established invaders from spreading to new areas. Observers play a key role in a much larger management program by helping to detect and document the spread of these species and the introduction of new species.

This online course created by the University of Florida help you join the fight to stop these dangerous invaders: http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/reddy.shtml

Zedonk born in Georgia

A zedonk, a rare cross between a zebra and a donkey, was born in Chestatee Wildlife Preserve in north Georgia this week. The foal has stripy legs, is in good health and has bonded well with her mother. The baby zedonk was named Pippi Longstocking. Click here to read more and see a video of this rare cross.

Potential Biocontrol for Skunk Vine

A new beetle that could be used to control the invasive weed called skunk vine has been identified by Agricultural Research Service scientists and cooperators. The tiny, black beetle (Himalusa thailandensis) measures only one-tenth of an inch long. It was found in Thailand feeding on species of skunk vine closely related to two skunk vine species invading the southern United States. This beetle species belongs to a group of insects that are normally scavengers or predators, so finding this plant feeding species is a unique discovery. To read more, click here.

Emerald Ash Borer Found in Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture announced yesterday (July 27, 2010) the discovery of emerald ash borer. This is the first detection of the destructive tree pest in the state. Tennessee's Agriculture Commissioner says they will be working closely with federal officials to determine the extent of the infestation and take steps to slow its spread. The emerald ash borer was found last week at a truck stop in Knox County near the Loudon County line. Click here to read the full article.

Gator Feeding Frenzy

A local man expected an ordinary day of fishing when he dipped his boat into the black water at Stephen C. Foster State Park earlier this month. Instead, the next few minutes proved to be anything but ordinary. The man witnessed and caught on video a rare phenomenon that some call cooperative feeding or what the witness calls a "feeding frenzy". This consists of hundreds of alligators congregating to feed. Click here to watch the videos and to read the full article.

Dengue Fever in Central Florida

A handful of people in Central Florida have been infected by Dengue fever. Experts say this is not a regular flu virus, it is a lot worse. You get a horrible fever called 'break bone fever'. You feel like your bones are breaking, however, it is joint pain. The fever has been picked up from mosquitoes in the Keys and from other places out of the country. To read the full article, click here.

One Jellyfish Stung 100 people

In Wallis Sands State Park Beach in Rye, NH last week, a lion's main jellyfish stung nearly 100 people. The large dead jellyfish had broken into pieces at the beach on Wednesday. Experts say this is not a common occurrence but it is possible because large jellyfish have so many tentacles. And when they are broken up they can spread all over the place. Click here to read more on the jelly stinging.

The Cullowhee Conference: Native Plants in the Landscape

The Cullowhee Conference: Native Plants in the Landscape July 27-31, 2010.

 Featured Keynote Speaker for 2010:
Peter H. Raven is one of the world's leading botanists and advocates of conservation and biodiversity. For three decades, he has headed the Missouri Botanical Garden, an institution he nurtured into a world-class center for botanical research and education, and horticultural display. Described by Time magazine as a "Hero for the Planet," Raven champions research around the world to preserve endangered plants and is a leading advocate for conservation and a sustainable environment. For more information click here.

37th Annual Natural Areas Conference

The 37th annual Natural Areas Conference hosted by the Natural Areas Association (NAA), with co-hosts: the Missouri Department of Conservation, the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, the Missouri Natural Areas Committee, and the National Association of Exotic Pest Plant Councils.
This year's conference will be held at the Tan-Tar-A Resort on the shores of beautiful Lake of the Ozarks in the Osage River Hills region of the Missouri Ozarks. For more information or to register click here.

A Field Guide for the Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests

A Field Guide for the Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests


Update of Jim Miller's book now providing information on accurate identification of 56 plants that are aggressively invading forests of the 13 Southern States at alarming rates. For more information and to download the book in pdf go to: http://wiki.bugwood.org/Archive:IPSF

Foreign Turtles Don't Bother Tadpoles

Several kinds of Spanish tadpoles are less likely to grow wary at the presence of newly arrived turtle species compared to the tadpoles' longtime native predators. Thus, these invaders could be gaining an advantage over natives in competing for food. Click here to read the full article.

Everglades Invasives Video

The National Park Service has just release a video on management of invasive species in the park. To watch the video, click here.

L'Oreal Volunteers Remove Invasives from Park

Around 30 L'Oreal volunteers removed an estimated ton of invasive species, repaired deer netting, picked up trash, restored entry path and spread wood chips at Berkeley Heights Park. Invasive species that were removed were Japanese knotweed, mugwort, and multiflora rose. These efforts were part of the organizations annual Employee Volunteer Day. Click here to read the full article.

40 Ton Whale Lands on Yacht

In Robben Island, South Africa, a couple was out sailing when a 40 ton whale breached and crash landed on their yacht. The couple explained they were watching the whale flip its tail for about half an hour. It appeared on the water about 150 meters from them and reappeared about 15 meters away. Then the whale came out of the water and crashed onto the boat. The whale and couple were not hurt, but parts of the yacht were destroyed. To read more and see pictures, click here.

Experts Testing Harmful Mussel Tactics

A team of federal experts who are fighting invasive freshwater mussels are investigating new and hopeful treatments to prevent these creators from muscling their way in. The treatments include poison, blasts of ultra-violet light, shock waves and mussel destroying predatory sunfish. Research has shown that some of these tactics seem to work and if proved, could save tens of millions of dollars by protecting hydropower and water delivery facilities. Click here to read more on the testing of tactics for harmful mussels.

Photos of the World's Monster Fish

National Geographic premieres this week "Monster Fish", an entertaining expedition around the world to uncover the biggest and most mind blowing fish on the planet. This article features Asian carp, alligator gar, wels catfish, and lake sturgeon. Each give a brief description and photos of each. Click here to read more...you will be amazed!

Lake Superior, a Huge Natural Climate Change Gauge, Is Running a Fever

 Article By DINA FINE MARON of ClimateWire Published: July 19, 2010 says: The Great Lakes are feeling the heat from climate change. As the world's largest freshwater system warms, it is poised to systematically alter life for local wildlife and the tribes that depend on it, according to regional experts. And the warming could also provide a glimpse of what is happening on a more global level, they say...and...While the warmer waters make for more comfortable swimming conditions for humans, they may also make for more habitable conditions for invasive species in places that have previously been relatively free of such pests. To read more go to: http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2010/07/19/19climatewire-lake-superior-a-huge-natural-climate-change-83371.html

Free Images for Educational Use on Invasive Species and much more...

Utilizing partnerships & information to advance invasive species, forestry & agricultural education the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health has over 120,000 images on over 14,000 subjects with contributions from more than 1600 photographers from all over the world in the Bugwood Image Database System archive. These images are free to download and use for non-profit educational purposes. The only requirement is that the image should be cited properly.
You do not have to be a professional photographer to contribute to Bugwood Images and you retain complete ownership of images you submit. Anyone interested in contributing photographs to Bugwood Images can get more information at: http://wiki.bugwood.org/BugwoodIDS:FAQ.
To see the image archive go to: http://www.bugwood.org/ImageArchives.html.

Climate Change at the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are feeling the heat from climate change. The lakes are the world's largest freshwater system and as it warms it is poised to systematically alter life for local wildlife and others that depend on it. The warmer waters make more comfortable swimming conditions for hums, They may also make for more habitable conditions for invasive species in places where they have previously been free from these pests. To read more about the warming great lakes, click here.

Longer Marketing Time Increases the Risk of Naturalization by Horticultural Plants

Plants that are mainstays of horticulture also carry lots of risk, a new Agricultural Research Service (ARS) study has found. Naturalization rates of non-native horticultural plants increase the longer a plant is grown and sold.
Unlike previous studies on the invasiveness of horticultural plants, the research team found that the marketing period--the number of years a plant was sold--has profound influence on naturalization and invasion. Seventy percent of plants sold in Florida for 30 years or longer naturalized, according to Pemberton, indicating that length of time sold is the most important factor contributing to naturalization.
To read more go to: Http://www.greenenvironmentnews.com/Environment/Agriculture/Longer+Marketing+Time+Increases+the+Risk+of+Naturalization+by%0D%0AHorticultural+Plants

Invasipedia

Invasipedia houses information on invasive plants, animals, and pathogens, and especially how to best manage them. Its foundation is the large amount of species management information developed by the The Nature Conservancy's Global Invasive Species Team. It is now supported by the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health as part of the BugwoodWiki. Its continued growth depends upon your contributions! For more information go to: http://wiki.bugwood.org/Invasipedia

Understanding Invasive Aquatic Weeds: An interactive online activity booklet

Understanding Invasive Aquatic Weeds: It's here! An interactive online activity booklet containing helpful information and fun activities for audiences of all ages.
This 15-page booklet features five of the worst aquatic weeds found in North America, accompanied by interactive links to key concepts and terminology, video clips, and games that help illustrate the serious problems associated with these plant species. For more information: http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/688
Created by the Center For Aquatic And Invasive Plants, University of Florida, IFAS.

Natural Resources Professionals Gather to Learn about Invasive Species Management in the Desert Southwest

In October 2009, the Center for Invasive Plant Management presented a workshop funded the Department of Defense Legacy Resource Management Program. The five-day workshop, Strategic Management of Invasive Species in the Southwestern U.S., was held at the Bureau of Land Management National Training Center in Phoenix, AZ. The workshop featured 24 different presenters from across the U.S. Visit the workshop website to access videos, slides, and resource lists for the presentations: http://www.weedcenter.org/dodworkshop/2009/index.html

Rhode Island Invasive Species Program (all ages)

Rhode Island Invasive Species (all ages) Sunday, Aug 8 1:00p to 3:00p at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, RI.

We're being invaded! Come on down to Sachuest Point and learn about invasive plant species in Rhode Island. After an introduction there will be a walk through the refuge where we will look for and remove various species of invasive plants along the trail. There will be free tattoos and coloring books for kids and a prize for the person who removes the most invasive plants during the walk. Wear closed shoes please.
For more information see: http://www.projothebeat.com/middletown-ri/events/show/129385065-rhode-island-invasive-species-all-ages#

Workshop to focus on invasive species in Indiana

Teachers, naturalists, Scout leaders and anyone interested in educating others about invasive species are invited Wednesday to the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore for an Invasive Species Educator Workshop.
For full article see: http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/article_24a9b975-7d56-5733-8d4d-e6d101effca7.html

Research Survey

A postgraduate research student from Harper Adams University College is currently researching ways to improve information use and sharing within the invasive species community. The student would be grateful if you could help them by letting them know how you find and share invasive species information. You can do this by filing out this survey, which will enable you to contribute to this research. The questionnaire will be available until Friday, September 3, 2010. For more information on this research, click here.

East Texas Invasive Species Webinar on August 12th from 12:00-12:45pm

East Texas Invasive Species Webinar

It is estimated that $135 billion dollars are spent each year in removal and control of exotic and invasive species throughout the United States. Please join us for a 45 minute webinar to better understand the problem and see what you can do to “Stop the Spread”, presented by Michael Murphrey – East Texas Invasive Species Coordinator at the Texas Forest Service. The webinar is August 12th from 12:00-12:45pm. – For more information go to  http://texasinvasives.org/pages/spotlight.php

Center for Invasive Species Ivegot1 iPhone App

The University of Georgia's Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health have just created a new iPhone app called IveGot1 and it is now available for download. This App is a Field Identification of Select Native and Nonnative Reptiles in Florida. It was developed to provide easy access to identification characteristics of common native and nonnative reptiles in Florida. It was developed to assist field personnel in the identification of priority reptile species and provide direction regarding how and where to report such observations. Click here to read more and download the app.

Alien Attack Exhibit at Flint RiverQuarium

The Flint RiverQuarium's latest exhibit is Alien Attack. The exhibit offers a top ten countdown of the most dangerous plants and animals and their threat to the area's fragile ecosystems. Live aliens are on display. Some of them include the Burmese python, Mayan cichlids, exotic frogs and more. Alien Attack also features photographs of invasive species that might be found in your own backyard, along with recommendations on what can be done to resist the invasion. A few alien plants common in Southwest Georgia are Chinese privet, coral ardisia, nandina and Japanese climbing fern. The Flint RiverQuarium is located in Albany, Georgia. Visit their website at http://www.flintriverquarium.com/.

2010 Summer Science Enrichment Camp addresses Environmental Issues – Invasive Species

2010 Summer Science Enrichment Camp for students at Southeastern Community College in Whiteville, North Carolina.

In 2009, Southeastern Community College was awarded a $109,000 grant from the Burroughs-Wellcome Foundation to fund a series of Summer Science Enrichment Camps for area high school students in the North Carolina Lower Coastal Plain. The primary topic for the week long camps, which will run from 2009-2011, will be Invasive Species, which is an important emerging environmental issue. During these hands-on, field-oriented sessions, camp participants will interact directly with prominent scientists and educators who are involved with invasive species management issues across the U.S. and Canada.

Here is an abbreviated agenda for the 2010 Camp:

Monday, July 26, 2010
8:30-8:45 Introductions and Camp Overview - Rebecca Westbrooks, Camp Director
8:45-9:30 Lecture - Dr. Randy Westbrooks - Introduction to Invasive Species
9:30-10:15 Lab Exercise – Randy Westbrooks - New Students:Weed Risk Assessment – Beach Vitex Lab Exercise – Randy Westbrooks -Advanced Students: Separating Weed Seeds from Soil
10:30-11:30 Lab Exercise – Randy Westbrooks - New Students: Extraction and Preservation of Live Cactus Moth Larvae (Cactoblastis cactorum) from Prickly Pear Cactus Cladodes (Pads) Internet Research – Randy Westbrooks – Advanced Students:Internet Research - Collect Information to Develop a Fact Sheet on Sawtooth Oak
11:30-12:00 Lecture - Teresa Lengner –New Students: Introduction to GPS and Orienteering Technical Writing Exercise – Randy Westbrooks – Advanced Students:Develop a Fact Sheet on Sawtooth Oak
1:00-2:00 Outdoor Lab Exercise – Teresa Lengner – All Students: Treasure Hunt: Orienteering and Geo-caching on the SCC Campus
2:00-3:00 Outdoor Lab Exercise – Randy Westbrooks and Jonathan Short – All Students: Plant ID and Collection; GPS Survey of Invasive Plants on the SCC Campus and Nature Trail
3:15-4:30 Lab Exercise – Teresa Lengner – All Students: GIS Mapping of Invasive Plants on the SCC Campus


Tuesday, July 27, 2010
8:45-9:30 Lecture: Karan Rawlins, U-GA - Introduction to U-GA EDDMapS
9:30-10:15 Lab Exercise/Internet Research – Karan Rawlins – All Students: Enter Field Data from Monday Lab Exercises into EDDMapS
10:30-12:00 Field Trip – Randy Westbrooks and Jonathan Short – All Students: GPS Surveys - Japanese Knotweed in Columbus County
1:00-2:30 Field Trip – Steve Hoyle, Randy Westbrooks, and Jonathan Short – All Students: Alligatorweed Control at Lake Waccamaw State Park – Chemical Control; Discussion of Biological Control Methods - Lake Waccamaw State Park Boat Ramp
3:00-4:30 Lab Exercise/Internet Research – Karan Rawlins – All Students: Enter 2009 Wild Taro and 2010 Japanese Knotweed Field Data into EDDMapS
7:00 – 8:30 Camp Keynote Address: John Peter Thompson* – Invasive Plants and the Plant Nursery Industry.
*Invasive Species Consultant, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Guest Appearance by Australia’s ‘Woody Weed’
Invited Vendor Displays:
- Southeast Coastal Chapter of the North Carolina Native Plant Society
- SunGlo Hobbyist Greenhouses

Wednesday, July 28, 2010
8:45-9:30 Lecture: Steve Hoyle, NCSU – All Students: Introduction to Aquatic Weed Control Methods.
9:30-10:15 Internet Research – Steve Hoyle – All Students: Control Methods for Watershield (Brasenia shreberi) and Crested Floating Heart (Nymphoides cristata)
10:30-12:00 Outdoor Lab Exercise – Steve Hoyle – All Students: Control of Watershield in the SCC Pond
12:00-1:00 Luncheon Seminar – Ray Mize, SCC – All Students: Last Child in the Woods.
1:00-1:45 Lecture – Randy Westbrooks and Janine Lloyd – All Students: Non-Chemical Methods for Control of Kudzu.
2:00-4:30 Outdoor Lab Exercise – Randy Westbrooks, Janine Lloyd, and Steve Hoyle – All Students: Kudzu Control Demonstration Project

Thursday, July 29, 2010
8:30-8:45 Morning Briefing - Rebecca Westbrooks, Camp Director
8:45-9:30 Lecture – Don Hopkins - New Students: Introduction to Honey Bee Pathogens. Field Trip – Steve Hoyle, Randy Westbrooks, and Jonathan Short - Advanced Students: Wild Taro Appraisal Survey and Retreatment at Lake Waccamaw
9:30-10:15 Internet Research – Don Hopkins - New Students: Colony Collapse Disorder and Nosema ceranae
10:30-12:00 Lab Exercise – Don Hopkins - New Students: Methods for Detection of Nosema ceranae
1:00-2:30 Careers in ENV Science and IVS Mgt.– New Students: Janine Lloyd – 1999 Graduate of the SCC ENV Program Environmental Scientist - Geo-Marine, Inc., Jacksonville, N.C.; Bo Benton - 2008 Graduate of the SCC ENV Program, Wildlife Specialist - USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, Whiteville, N.C.
Wild Taro Brochure Distribution at Public Locations in the Town of Lake Waccamaw – Jonathan Short and Randy Westbrooks – Advanced Students: (Dale’s Seafood at Lake Waccamaw, Lake Waccamaw State Park, Lake Waccamaw Depot Museum, Lake Waccamaw Town Hall, Lake Waccamaw Library, Southeastern Community College, etc.)
2:45-4:30 Outdoor Lab Exercise – Steve Hoyle - New Students: Control of Mimosa on the SCC Campus

Friday, July 30, 2010
8:45-9:30 Lecture – Dan Ryan, TNC – All Students: Plant Conservation, Invasive Species and the Nature Conservancy
9:30-10:15 Lecture – Chris Helms (Superintendent, Lake Waccamaw State Park) and Jean Lynch (Coastal Region Biologist, N.C. State Parks) – All Students: Plant Conservation, Invasive Species, and North Carolina State Parks
10:30-11:00 SCC Environmental Program, Careers – Rebecca Westbrooks and Teresa Lengner – All Students: Environmental Science Technology, Agricultural Biotechnology, Invasive Species Management
11:00-12:00 Internet Research – Rebecca Westbrooks – All Students: Careers in Environmental Science - Preparation for Student Afternoon Presentations
12:00-1:00 Luncheon Seminar - Christine Ellis, Waccamaw River Keeper – All Students and Parents: The Waccamaw River - Ipnvasive Species and Water Quality Monitoring
1:00-1:30 Internet Research – Rebecca Westbrooks – All Students: Careers in Environmental Science - Preparation for Student Afternoon Presentations
1:30-2:30 Student Presentations – Careers in Environmental Science
2:30-3:00 Closing Remarks – Rebecca Westbrooks – Camp Director
- Discussion of Fall Seminars and Events
- Student Participation in the SCC Student Weed Stopper Program
- Presentation of Camp Certificates
- Closing Evaluations - Students, Camp Instructors, Camp Assistants

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center honors founder on July 25th

Lady Bird Johnson Tribute Day on Sunday, July 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We invite you to honor our founder, Lady Bird Johnson, at our free admission day Sunday, July 25, during extended hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lady Bird Johnson Tribute Day features a sculpture-in-progress of Mrs. Johnson, storytelling for children, a pottery demonstration, a remarkable display of Mrs. Johnson's memorabilia, book signings and more. The first 200 visitors will receive a free packet of wildflower seeds. Children can also make their own seed packets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This day remembers July 26,1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson presented his first lady with 50 pens used to sign environmental legislation that she inspired.

"Native Plants Journal" added to The University of Wisconsin Press publishing program.

The University of Wisconsin Press has announced the addition of Native Plants Journal to its publishing program. The Press will begin publishing the journal in 2011 with volume 12.

Native Plants Journal is a forum for dispersing practical information about planting and growing North American (Canada, Mexico, and U.S.) native plants for conservation, restoration, reforestation, landscaping, highway corridors, and related uses. It is edited by R. Kasten Dumroese of the USDA Forest Service at the Rocky Mountain Research Station.

Editor Kas Dumroese stresses that “The goal of Native Plants Journal is to ‘cross pollinate’ researchers and field restorationists, therefore we publish refereed research manuscripts as well as general technical articles that share real-world experiences of field personnel.”

“We are very excited to begin working with the Native Plants Journal editorial staff. This title is a perfect fit for our publishing program as it joins our other environmental and land management publications: Landscape Journal, Ecological Restoration, Land Economics and our many books in these fields,” said Pam Wilson, UW Press Journals Manager.

The journal is published three times per year in full color and is available in both print and electronic formats. In addition to offering subscribers online access to new issues and the complete back content of the journal, UW Press will provide direct links to the Propagation Protocol Database from the journal website.

Native Plants Journal was founded as a cooperative effort of the USDA Forest Service and the University of Idaho, with input from the USDA Agricultural Research Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The first issue was published in January 2000. The current publisher, Indiana University Press, will oversee publication through volume 11, 2010. Native Plants Journal is also included in Project Muse.

The University of Wisconsin Press, which will mark its 75th year of publishing in 2011, has been publishing journals since 1963. With the addition of Native Plants Journal, its journals program will include twelve journals. To see related UW Press publications, including the journals Ecological Restoration, Land Economics, and Landscape Journal, please visit our website at http://uwpress.org/ or http://uwpress.wisc.edu/journals .

Conservation Landscaping for People, Wildlife, and the Coastal Environment

CoastScapes: Conservation Landscaping for People, Wildlife, and the Coastal Environment


CoastScapes are environmentally sound native plant conservation landscapes which benefit people, the local environment, and coastal Georgia. Conservation landscaping works with nature to reduce pollution while creating diverse landscapes that conserve water, protect clean water and air, support wildlife and their native habitat, and provide a more beautiful, healthier human environment. Conservation landscaping can also be used to address areas with problems such as erosion, nutrient loss, sedimentation, poor soils, steep slopes, or poor drainage or to enhance and/or restore habitat. Conservation landscaping also provides valuable opportunities to reduce the effects of the human built and developed environment.

Initiated in January 2009, the University of Georgia Marine Extension Service is developing a comprehensive CoastScapes Conservation Landscaping Program for coastal Georgia. Outreach efforts to engage Georgians in conservation landscaping practices will be developed and implemented to help preserve the coast’s water resources, plants, habitats and wildlife; all of which are critical elements needed to nurture and preserve the complex web of life that characterizes coastal Georgia and its surrounding watersheds. In addition, as the coastal region begins to accommodate rapidly expanding urban growth, the program will help mitigate negative environmental impacts by promoting the adoption of comprehensive CoastScapes conservation landscaping concepts and practices with emphasis on the following components:

• Use of regional non-invasive native and beneficial plants
• Water conservation by placing plants in the appropriate growing conditions, minimizing the use of supplemental watering and the amount of turf lawn, and implementing xeriscaping
• Reduction or elimination of chemical fertilizer and pesticide use by planting native plants and practicing Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Purification of the air and water by planting native trees, shrubs, and perennials
• Protection of existing natural areas and the watershed’s “sense of place” as well as restoration, enhancement and/or creation of native habitat
• Incorporation of overall environmentally sensitive site design
• Energy conservation by placing native trees, shrubs, vines and landscape structures in appropriate locations (to reduce heating and cooling needs) and reducing the use of power landscape equipment
• Incorporation of green infrastructure stormwater BMPs, such as:
     o better site planning (including preservation of undisturbed native habitat and vegetation)
     o better site design (including reduction of sidewalk lengths and widths, reducing setbacks and
        frontages) in order to reduce the amount of impervious surface
     o low impact development (such as bioretention areas, rain gardens, bioswales, permeable
        pavements, rain harvesting, soil restoration, and site reforestation/revegetation) in order to
        recharge groundwater and reduce runoff and the amount of impervious surface
     o plantings of native trees, shrubs, and perennial ground cover in swales and on terraces, in
        addition to level and raised areas, in order to reduce runoff and soil erosion and stabilize slopes
• Implementation of invasive species control by avoiding the use of and removal and replacement of invasive plants
• Providing wildlife habitat by planting native plants
• Promotion and protection of pollinators, beneficial insects and coastal wildlife habitat needs
• Mulching to conserve water, suppress weeds, improve soil structure, and to lessen erosion
• Composting to reduce yard waste and to use as a soil amendment
• Recycling and reusing materials to eliminate waste
• Promotion of habitat linkage and connectivity
• Maintenance of native plant gardens and planning for the long term
• Guidance to the challenges and solutions of gardeners to global warming and climate change
• Learning to appreciate nature and toleration of imperfections in the garden

 http://www.marex.uga.edu/

The Allelopathic Potential of Kudzu

In the BioOne Online Journals, an article has been posted called The Allelopathic Potential of Kudzu. In the study, researchers explored the allelopathic potential as a function of phenolics. The article was published by Weed Science Society of America. Click here to read the entire abstract.

Join the FREE Stewardship Network Webcast TODAY Wednesday, July 14th, "Prairie Fens"

"Prairie Fens" Presentation by: Anna Fiedler, Michigan State University

Date: TODAY Wednesday, July 14th, 2010
Time: 11:45am to 1pm Eastern
Place: Your Computer!

Click here to view webcast! (Link will become live day of webcast)
https://www.livehuddle.com/event/index.php?event_id=2650dda8d87065d3a8e68dfd8dc4290e

The Midwestern U.S. has a relatively high density of prairie fen wetlands. These globally rare habitats support high plant diversity and are home to a number of rare and endangered plants, insects, and vertebrates. Prairie fens are under threat from a number of factors, including habitat fragmentation, pollution, and invasive species. Glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) is one of the most common prairie fen invasives in Michigan. It is known to dramatically alter the fens it invades, and the removal of glossy buckthorn is often the focus of restoration projects. In this webcast, learn about 1) the changes we saw in restored prairie fen in the first two years following buckthorn removal and 2) how to determine whether you own or manage property that is a degraded prairie fen with restoration potential.

Tune in with Anna Fiedler of Michigan State University and Lisa Brush of the Stewardship Network for this informative upcoming webcast!

The 2010 Biological Control for Nature Conference

"Biological Control for the Protection of Native Ecosystems"

To be held October 3-7, 2010, in Northampton , MA , with sponsorship of the University of MA , the University of CA , USDA Forest Service, USDA-ARS , US Department of Fish and Wildlife and the US National Park Service. The meeting's purpose is to explore the benefits of classical biological control to native forests, and associated habitats including wetlands, grasslands, deserts, and oceanic islands. The meeting is intended increase mutual understanding between the disciplines of biological control and conservation biology and examine how biological control contributes to the restoration of species and communities damaged by invasive plants and insects. The meeting website can be found at  http://www.biocontrolfornature.org/  and here we attached the scientific program. The venue for the meeting is a classic small New England city, with most architecture dating from the 1890s, amply opportunities for tourism, dining and live music all within walking distance. The meeting takes place just prior to peak color for fall foliage. The meeting site is an historic hotel located in downtown Northampton, less than a block from vibrant street life, shops and restaurants. The meeting will include a one day field trip to view locally important invasive species, some of which are current or developing targets of biological control (hemlock woolly adelgid, Japanese knotweed, swallowwort, garlic mustard), as well as to appreciate views of the fall landscape and some cultural points. For more information consult the website or email/call Roy Van Driesche at UMASS (413-545-1061, vandries@nre.umass.edu)

Workshop.... Biosolutions for Biopollutions.

The Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council is pleased to announce its biennial workshop.... Biosolutions for Biopollutions.

The workshop will be held August 19th in Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville Pennsylvania. Come learn about the latest in biocontrols available for some of our most common invasive species pests including Japanese Knotweed, Mile-a-minute and Tree-of-Heaven. Full Agenda and mail-in Registration available, http://www.ma-eppc.org/ (online registration/ pay pal coming soon). A nominal fee for the workshop includes MA-EPPC membership and subscription to Wildland Weeds (http://www.fleppc.org/publications/Papers.htm).

Information sharing survey

A survey is being conducted researching ways to improve information sharing among those working in Invasive Species fields. If you would like to contribute follow the link below.

Dear colleagues,
We are currently researching ways to improve information use and sharing within the invasive species community.

We would be grateful if you could help by letting us know how you find and share invasive species information. Please click on the following link to access our short online anonymous questionnaire (10 questions) which will enable you to contribute to this research. (If the link does not work you may need to copy and paste the text into your browser):

http://www.surveymo/nkey.com/s/YLV6YDH

The questionnaire will be available until Friday 3rd September 2010. We will be happy to share the results with you following analysis. This research builds on the findings of a survey and workshops held in the UK last year. For more information about this research, please visit my project web page:

http://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/research.cfm?ID=32

Many thanks in advance for your contribution.

Kind regards,
Helen Bayliss
Postgraduate Research Student,
Harper Adams University College,
Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB
United Kingdom
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Invasive Species to Watch: Feral Hogs

Feral hogs were brought to the U.S. as an important food source over 300 years ago by Spanish explorers and later by European settlers. They have since spread westward from the Atlantic Coast. Feral hogs are competitors with livestock and wildlife and have become targets for hunters. Yet despite all efforts, these pigs have persisted. Texas Park and Wildlife Department estimates 1.5 million feral hogs in Texas alone. The most efficient means of control is a combination of hunting and trapping year round. Click here to read the full article.

Tallowtree Spreading Rapidly

A study performed by a USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station scientist shows the number of nonnative Chinese tallowtree in Louisiana, Mississippi and east Texas grew by about 370 percent over a 16 year time period. This spread could create problems for plants and wildlife along the Gulf Coast. Click here to read more on the tallowtree spread.

Attracting Beneficial Insects

Al and Karen Smoke have recently written an article on attracting beneficial insects to gardens. The article lays out who the good insects are and why. To read this article, click here.

Invaders at the Back Door

Two rapacious insects, the Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer are already present in New York. Experts fear that it is only a matter of time before they reach the Adirondacks. If they do, these small insects could create huge ecological and legal problems for those whose job it is protect the Forest Preserve. Click here to read more.

First EDDMapS Workshop in Georgia

Students and teachers gathered from all over South Georgia on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 for the first EDDMapS Workshop in Georgia at the UGA Tifton Campus. The workshop, organized by Susan Reinhardt for the Young Scholars Program, allowed students and teachers to learn how to find invasive species, why they are harmful and how to report them online through EDDMapS.

Karan Rawlins, Invasive Species Coordinator at the University of Georgia’s Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, taught the workshop which included a field trip where students and teachers saw and collected data on invasive plants firsthand.

“My goal was to show them that invasive species are everywhere, even in their own backyard,” says Rawlins. “They were shocked as we found over a dozen invasive plants in a small area on campus. They included mimosa, Chinese wisteria, Japanese honeysuckle, Chinese tallowtree, Japanese climbing fern, wild taro, and Chinese privet.

As the invasive species were found, the group took pictures of the each plant, and the GPS coordinates were gathered. This information was later put into a mapping system called EDDMapS. EDDMapS is a web-based mapping system that focuses on documenting invasive species distribution across the United States. It is quick and easy and available for anyone to use.

The Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health hopes to continue these workshops throughout the state to inform the public how to report invasive species online through EDDMapS.

Visit www.eddmaps.org to learn more about reporting invasives throughout the United States.

(Erin Griffin is the Outreach and Communication Coordinator with the University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health.)

Fighting Fiendish Fire Ants

The number one pest in Florida is fire ants. Al and Karen Smoke have written an article on these pests and the best ways to get rid of them. The article explains ways to eradicate fire ants, the best pesticides to use and facts about fire ants. To read the article, click here.

Invasive Plants of the Wissahickon

Recently, BugwoodImages photographs were used in a guide for invasive plants of the Wissahickon. The group used a wide variety of images and correctly cited them. This is a great example that shows how BugwoodImages photos can be useful in all types of projects. Click here to view the site.

Portland's Invasive Plant List

The city of Portland wants to make sure fifteen invasive plants do not have a chance to become established in their city. They have developed a Required Eradication List, which requires property owners to remove these invasive plants from their property. The city is offering property owners free assistance to identify and remove the plants on the Required Eradication List. Click here to view the list and to read more.

Weed Sniffing Dog

In Montana, a field test against dog versus man was performed in an effort to identify and eradicate spotted knapweed. Finding invasive plants to eradicate them before they can spread creates a challenge for human eyes, but not for dog noses. Trained detection dogs can locate spotted knapweed more accurately and at a greater distance than humans. Click here to read more.

Prairie Manager's Field Day

Natural resource managers across the prairie region have been working for decades to reclaim and restore prairie habitats. A field day on July 20, 2010 in Ortonville, Minnesota has been designed to share information with anyone interested in managing these ecosystems. Topics include site prep tools, herbicide options for brush control, integrating prescribed burn and herbicide treatment to control Canada thistle and management techniques. To register for the field day and for more information, click here.

Eight Crazy Ways to Combat Invasive Species

Some floated here on boats. Others flew. Still other arrived on the sole of a dirty sole. Many were invited, but some arrived unannounced. At this point, however, no one really cares how these alien species got here. Scientists are more focused on how to get rid of them. Click here to view eight crazy ways of getting rid of invasive species.

Senator Calls for a Carp Czar

Senator Dick Durbin has pleaded President Obama to appoint a carp czar to manage all measures taken to keep the Asian carp at bay. His concern is the result of a carp discovery in Lake Calumet. Durbin plans to introduce a bill that urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to investigate hydrologic separation of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River to help solve the carp problem. Click here to read more on the article.