Invasives in the News

New Firewood Rule Prohibits Untreated Firewood from Entering Vermont

May 23, 2016

A new Vermont rule effective May 1st prevents invasive insects from piggybacking into the state on untreated firewood. As summer camping season arrives, visitors to Vermont should be prepared to buy firewood in-state or be able to verify that imported firewood is heat-treated to USDA-approved standards.

Invasive Plants are Spreading into Vermont

May 20, 2016

"SOUTH HERO, Vt.

The flowers in your garden aren't the only plants springing back to life, those unwanted weeds, and invasive plants are also breathing new life.

Though we are welcoming the greening up of trees and lawns, not all plants coming back.

Bob Popp, Vermont State's Botanist says the state is seeing more invasive plants.

He believes that...

Disease That Could Wipe Out Black Walnut Trees in East Moving Toward New York

May 16, 2016

Syracuse, N.Y. -- A tree disease capable of wiping out black walnuts across the Eastern U.S. is heading for New York.

Thousand cankers disease has arrived in Ohio and Pennsylvania. It has not yet been found in New York state, but it could be on its way, or even here already.

"It could come into New York at any time," said Karen Snover-Clift, director of the plant...

Pruning Ground Rules

May 9, 2016

COLUMBUS, Ind. – When it comes to pruning trees, it’s easier to start when the plant is newly established.

The more formative pruning done to a tree, the less work it will require later on.

“Whenever you prune, you’re going to have a major impact on that tree,” said Lindsey Purcell, urban forestry specialist at Purdue University.

Happy Arbor Day!

May 6, 2016

"500 trees planted in the Burlington's newest park"

Prospect Park Hires Goats As Adorable Fix for Hurricane Damage

May 3, 2016

Chickens are so last year — Brooklyn is all about the goats now. In fact, the Prospect Park Alliance just coughed up $15,000 to bring a heard of hungry goats to Prospect Park, where they will eat their way across the aptly named Vale of Cashmere.

The goats are part of a scheme to help undo some of the damage done by Hurricane Sandy and other storms that have battered the park in...

Insect Outbreaks Reduce Wildfire Severity

May 2, 2016

Forest scientists have found an unexpected 'silver lining' to the insect outbreaks that have ravaged millions of trees across western North America.

While insect outbreaks leave trees looking like matchsticks, a new University of Vermont-led study finds these hungry critters significantly reduce wildfire severity.

The findings contrast sharply with popular attitudes --...

Tools of the Trade

April 19, 2016

Tackling Invasive Plant Control in Vermont

Seed catalogs have long been abandoned, as many of us are grabbing onto our shovels and rakes, waiting for the weather to warm and the ground to thaw. If invasive plant control is on your “to-do” this spring, here are some recommendations for useful tools, and resources for how to use them.

Ever tried to grub up a...

The Latest on Hemlock Woolly Adelgid in Vermont

April 18, 2016

As the 2015-2016 hemlock woolly adelgid survey season got under way there was some concern for the condition of hemlock trees in southern Vermont. The preceding growing season included a period of sinificant drought. Trees on ledgy sites were showing signs of stress. Elongate hemlock scale had been found in the area, sometimes coexisting with HWA. As the winter wore on, temperatures were mild...

Aquatic Invasives in Hot Water

April 14, 2016

Watercraft decontamination stations for aquatic invasive species popping up across Vermont in 2016

White-nose Syndrome: Fungal Invader

April 12, 2016

“There is a fungus among us!”

Warmer Winter Brings Forest-Threatening Beetles North

April 7, 2016

This winter has been the warmest on record in much of New England. And while many people enjoyed the T-shirt weather, it made Claire E. Rutledge, a researcher with Connecticut’s Agricultural Experiment Station, more concerned about what next season may hold.

Beginning in April, she will head to Wharton Brook and other state lands, setting traps for the southern pine beetle and checking...

Signs of Early Success in Emerald Ash Borer Biocontrol Project

March 8, 2016

Two years ago, in May 2014, the N.H. Division of Forests and Lands released parasitic wasps at three sites in Concord and Canterbury in an attempt to control emerald ash borer (EAB) populations with natural predators (read more about the project here). Bill Davidson and Kyle...

Public Access Greeter Programs Have Another Successful Year in 2015

February 17, 2016

Vermont’s Public Access Greeter Program had a record-breaking year in 2015 while working to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Public access greeters educate lake visitors about invasive species and provide courtesy watercraft inspections for AIS.

A Foe of our Firs: a spotlight on balsam woolly adelgid

February 16, 2016

The balsam woolly adelgid is an invasive insect that attacks true firs (Abies, spp) in eastern and western forests. In Vermont, the native balsam fir and a commonly used Christmas tree, Fraser fir, are susceptible. This insect originated in Europe; probably first arriving in the northeast around 1900. It has been reported in Vermont for many years. In 2015, scattered...