Invasives in the News

We Need Your Help! Tracking the Phenology of Invasive Plants

February 23, 2023

Since 2017, volunteers have been collecting information on invasive plant phenology through a project called the Statewide Invasive Plant Phenology Monitoring Project (SIPPMoP). During the second full week of each month of the growing season, volunteers take note of the life stage of whatever invasive plants they see.

Spindle-tree has orange arils with pink capsules

Early Detection: Invasive Spindle-Tree

February 21, 2023

Invasive spindle-tree evolved in Asia and Europe and was introduced to North America most likely because of industrial uses for this woody shrub. The hard wood has historically been used to create spindles for wool, charcoal for art, and oils for soap making. More recently, this plant has become an ornamental landscaping plant.

National Invasive Species Awareness Week

February 10, 2023

February 20-26 is National Invasive Species Awareness Week. Each year, organizations around the country use this week to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat they pose and how to prevent their spread.

Emerald Ash Borer Updates

January 11, 2023

Six new detections of EAB in Vermont have expanded the existing Infested Area within Caledonia, Chittenden, Orange, Rutland, Washington, and Windham counties.

Early Detection: Invasive Pear Trees

December 16, 2022

Invasive Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana and all its cultivated varieties) has been in the news this year; states across the region have been listing this species as a noxious weed – a distinction that carries with it limitations and regulations on the sale and movement of these plants.

The Magnificent Pectinatella magnifica; Freshwater Bryozoans

October 26, 2022

If you spend a lot of time out on freshwater lakes, ponds, and wetlands in the Northeastern United States, you may have noticed large jelly-like masses submerged under water. These slippery, slimy masses were most likely a community of microorganisms called a bryozoan, or Pectinatella magnifica.

Species Spotlight: Asiatic Bittersweet

October 26, 2022

One eerie feature catching eyes right now is Celastrus orbiculatus, an invasive vine commonly called “bittersweet." Invasive bittersweet originated in Asia, evolving in an ecosystem full of predators and pathogens that provided natural checks and balances on population levels.

Native Beetle Related to Potential Biocontrol of Vermont’s Water Chestnuts

October 26, 2022

During the summer, it possible to observe the invasive plant, Water chestnut (Trapa natans), with small holes scattered on their floating, triangular-shaped leaves. Some plants in various locations can be seen with up to 25% of their leaf-matter chewed through.

Early Detection of a Rare Invasive Plant: Giant Hogweed

August 19, 2022

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a rare invasive plant in Vermont, but one worth understanding.

Be on the Alert for Spotted Lanternfly in Vermont

July 8, 2022

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is asking the public to keep an eye out for the invasive pest known as spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) during the spring landscaping season.

Birders helping Birds: Dead Creek WMA Volunteers needed July 7, 2022

July 1, 2022

We all can help! On July 7, at 9 am join us for a honeysuckle cutting party at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area in Addison.

VTDEC launches new Vermont Invasive Patrollers for Animals (VIPA) Program

May 25, 2022

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) Lakes and Ponds Aquatic Invasive Species Program is excited to launch a brand-new community science project this summer, 2022 called the Vermont Invasive Patrollers for Animals Program

It’s not too late! Join a phenology project today!

May 19, 2022

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation is spearheading a few projects geared towards tracking the phenology of invasive plants and we need your help!

Early Detection: Tree-of-Heaven

May 19, 2022

Do you want to get involved in locating Tree-of-Heaven in Vermont? Now is your chance! Tree-of-Heaven is a preferred host for the Spotted Lanternfly. The presence of these two invasive species in Vermont could have detrimental impacts on many tree species, including apple trees, sugar maples, and more.

Finding Fun in the Phenology of Invasive Plants

March 24, 2022

Phenology is the study of the life cycle events of living things – like tracking when plants get their leaves, their flowers, and their fruits. Knowing this information gives us a better understanding of the species in our ecosystems, can guide the timing of our invasive plant management work, and can help us track the impacts of climate change on plants in Vermont. In 2022, The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation is spearheading a few projects geared towards tracking the phenology of invasive plants and we need your help!