Invasives in the News

Olive Tree is Second Non-Ash Species Found Vulnerable to Emerald Ash Borer

May 24, 2017

An emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) larvae is revealed successfully developing in the wood of a cultivated olive tree—adding a second species to the list of non-ash trees that the invasive insect can attack.

New Field Guide on BioControl Available for Download

May 22, 2017

The USDA Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team has released a Field Guide for the Biological Control of Weeds in Eastern North America. This guide includes a quick search by flower color (non-flowering are gray), discusses basic plant and biocontrol biology, and has a symbol-driven efficacy quick guide (status for individual biocontrols: high-low priority, caution with redistribution, illegal to redistribute, no establishment, failed to establish).

Land Trust uses Muscle Power in Combat with Invasive Plants

May 12, 2017

The Stowe Land Trust is working on a multiyear effort to restore native diversity and habitats to 50 acres of conserved land on the DuMont Meadow property at the end of Adams Mill Road.

Summer Employment Opportunity

May 8, 2017

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program has a vacancy for its 2017 summer survey program. The program is seeking one qualified individual to assist with the field survey for plant pests that are destructive to Vermont’s forests and natural resources.

Making an Invasive Plant Management Plan: Part 1- Getting started and setting priorities for restoration

April 21, 2017

This is part one in a three-part series on how to create an invasive plant management plan.

Zebra mussels can quickly attach to and populate all hard surfaces found on a lake bottom

Zebra Mussels Still a Threat to Vermont

April 21, 2017

Although other aquatic invasives have been the topic of conversation in recent years, zebra mussels still remain as one of, if not the biggest, threat to many of Vermont's waters.

Well-Fed, Older Asian Longhorned Beetles Fly Farther, May Require New Quarantine Zones

April 20, 2017

A new study of the flight capacity of the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) found it to have an average flight distance of 1.4 miles in a 24-hour period, but some could fly as far as 8.5 miles in that span.

White Pine Needle Damage Persists in Vermont; Fungi and Weather Play a Part

April 17, 2017

Experts are expecting that white pine needle damage in Vermont this year may be worse than previous years. Vermont may be the only northern New England state to see such an increase.

Invasive Japanese Barberry to Gain Ground with Climate Change

April 12, 2017

"Climate change may force one of New England’s invasive plant species to retreat north, while another will likely stay put and take over an even greater area, according to a new study by UConn faculty and former doctoral candidates.

Garlic mustard may disappear from the southern part of New England only to crop up in Canada, while Japanese barberry takes hold of the region."

There's Beauty In Wood Ruined By Emerald Ash Borer, Furniture Maker Says

April 5, 2017

CHICAGO — The emerald ash borer has left a trail of destruction in its wake — but also some beauty, Curtis Witek says.

Witek, of Noble Square, is founder of City Forest Products, which takes wood destroyed by the emerald ash borer and turns it into products like cutting boards and end tables. Witek started the business, which he runs out of a small workshop in Wicker Park, in January and will officially start selling his creations with an April 28 launch party.

A Second Life For Ash Trees

April 3, 2017

A new project in South Sioux City is a model alternative to burning or landfill disposal of the ash trees the City will likely lose when the ash borer invades their communities. The stack of boards will become a cabin at South Sioux City’s Community Orchard.

Having Fun With Outreach at the Vermont Flower Show

March 14, 2017

Meredith Whitney, Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator with UVM Extension, reflects on her experience at the Vermont Flower Show. Meredith and several volunteers staffed an exhibit at the flower show highlighting the importance of not moving firewood. The booth featured large images of the Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer as well as insect and wood samples. It was also a great opportunity for Meredith to test out the interactive "face-in-hole" banners she recently designed.

Opportunity to Stop the Spread of Oak Wilt

March 6, 2017

New York State DEC Division of Lands and Forests-Forest Health Oak Wilt Operations Coordinator Jennifer Kotary shares a simple way to prevent the spread of oak wilt.

Vermont Flower Show and VTinvasives

February 22, 2017

Having a little spring fever? You're not alone. The Vermont Invasives team has been dreaming about planting gardens and, naturally, invasive plant control. Join us at the Vermont Flower Show March 3-5. You can find information on invasive plants and forest pests while being surrounded by beautiful flowers. Attend our workshop on the emerald ash borer Sunday, March 5th at 2:00 pm. Learn more about our invasive plant coordinator and her display!

Thank You to Our Volunteers!

February 16, 2017

Thank you very much to the volunteers who helped staff our booth at this year's Farm Show and to the talented artists who helped design and build our E.A.Bean Bag Toss game!