Invasives in the News

Zebra Mussels Identified in Magog Bay, Lake Memphremagog

August 22, 2018

Zebra mussels have been confirmed in the Canadian waters of Lake Memphremagog.

Photo: Eric Coombs, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org Purple loosestrife can reach heights of several meters.

Looks can be deceiving: Purple Loosestrife

August 9, 2018

If you’ve ever spent a late August afternoon along a lake with a reedy shoreline, you may have noticed the brilliant, beautiful purple flowers of this month’s focal plant: purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria).

two restoration crew members pose next to a wild parsnip that is taller than them both (6 feet tall or more).

Watch list species highlight: Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)

August 9, 2018

In mid-summer, Vermont starts to see a wave of yellow flowers bloom along roads, fields, meadows, and trails. This plant is called Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) and is similar in appearance to Queen Ann’s Lace (Daucus carota). Wild Parsnip is a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae), and is currently considered taxonomically indistinct from the common garden parsnip.

EAB Detected in Bennington County

August 3, 2018

Officials say the invasive pest the emerald ash borer has been found in the southern Vermont town of Stamford. The location is within five miles of a location in North Adams, Massachusetts, where the insect was also recently discovered.

Beetles released onto purple loosestrife plants

Beetles released to eat loosestrife in Pa.

July 9, 2018

Biological control of purple loosestrife is being attempted in Pa. wetlands.

The flowers of Wild Chervil form in clusters called an umbel, almost resembling an umbrella.

Watch list species highlight: Wild Chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris)

June 27, 2018

Many invasive plants in Vermont start blooming in May. Keep an eye out for one obvious bloomer this time of year, Wild Chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris), or also commonly called “cow parsley”. This invasive plant can be seen alongside roads, and is notable in our rolling Vermont fields. This is a biennial herbaceous plant within the carrot family, Apiaceae. In Vermont, there are two introduced Anthriscus species documented outside of cultivation, and include Wild Chervil and its close relative, Garden Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium). The name, Chervil, comes perhaps from Latin and Greek roots, collectively meaning “leaf to enjoy”.

middle school students pose in front of the wooded area where they just removed invasive plants

Students help VT Forests, Parks & Recreation tackle invasive plants

June 27, 2018

The floodplain forest in Richmond rang out with the excitement and hard work of 50 5^th graders. In teams, the students worked to remove a non-native invasive plant—honeysuckle. Their ranks were led by community volunteer, Jon Kart, and the team members of VT Forests, Parks & Recreation’s Invasive Plants Program (VTIPP).

Say Goodbye To Your Ash Trees: Ash Borer Spreads To Montpelier

June 27, 2018

The invasive emerald ash borer has been found in Montpelier. City officials are taking steps to protect some trees along city streets, but ultimately they say most of Montpelier’s ash trees will die.

Fighting Invasive Bug Is Costly Effort

June 26, 2018

The invasive tree-killer that’s alarming Vermont forestry officials could cost the town of Hartford alone hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to early projections by Tree Warden Brad Goedkoop.

A Vermont Fish and Wildlife Warden discusses aquatic invasive species laws.

Boating season kicks off, and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is ready meet the challenges posed by aquatic invasive species

June 26, 2018

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is poised to combat the spread of aquatic invasive species this summer.

N.H. Forests Are Global Hotspot For Destructive Non-Native Insects

June 20, 2018

There are at least 50 species of non-native insects established in the state, including the Emerald Ash Borer, which has devastated the local ash tree population. Poised to join this list is another wood-boring bug, which could have a similar impact on more of New Hampshire’s trees: the Southern Pine Beetle.

Emerald Ash Borer Discovered in Maine

May 30, 2018

Officials at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) report that emerald ash borer (EAB) has been found in Maine. Despite an aggressive search for at least a decade, the destructive forest insect from Asia had not been detected in Maine previously. It has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in thirty-four states throughout the country. The estimated commercial (unprocessed) value of Maine ash trees is approximately $320 million.

Feds to abandon quarantine of tree-killing insect

May 21, 2018

After years trying to stop the spread across state lines of an invasive beetle that destroys trees, the federal government looks about ready to give up.

The Department of Agriculture will soon propose abandoning an emerald ash borer quarantine that restricts the movement of firewood and items from ash trees, putting new emphasis on biological controls and other approaches that don't require federal regulations and, the agency said, may be more effective.

Vermont DEC announces 2018 Vermont Invasive Patroller training schedule

May 17, 2018

Training dates for this year's Vermont Invasive Patroller trainings, hosted by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, have been set.

Emerald Ash Borer: Slow the Spread! New Signs Warn Motorists, “Don’t Move Ash Firewood”

May 15, 2018

Motorists in the areas of Plainfield, Groton, Calais, Williamstown, Washington, and Barre may notice new flashing road signs reading “Don’t move ash firewood beyond this point.” The signs are part of an inter-agency partnership to slow the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer, which has been detected in the vicinity. Signs are located on state highways and are visible to motorists leaving the EAB-infested areas.