Invasives in the News

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...

“Wise Eyes” While Seeking Wildflowers in the Woods

February 15, 2016

Snow lined fields, seed catalogs in the mailbox, and Punxsutawney not seeing his shadow bring thoughts of spring. A popular pastime in Vermont is to plan a walk through the woods just after snowmelt, and catch the brilliance of our spring ephemerals (short-lived wildflowers).

Mapping for Healthy Forests Superstar- Meg McEnroe

February 15, 2016

Walking through the woods in Chittenden County, you may run across someone studying a plant and photographing it with her cell phone. The Mapping for Healthy Forests pilot project has found success in the hands of a superstar volunteer, Meg McEnroe.

From New Jersey, now making her home in the Green Mountains, Meg was drawn to this project after seeing the type of damage invasive plant...

Invasive plants taking a toll on nation’s forests, including those in Utah

February 4, 2016

More detailed information about the results that were featured in a News item in mid-January, link to previous news item: http://vtinvasives.org/news/big-picture-view-invasive-plant-problem

"U.S. Forest Service...

UNH researchers aim to get upper hand on invasive plant

January 29, 2016

"DURHAM — After fighting the invasive glossy buckthorn for decades, Tom Lee, University of New Hampshire associate professor of forest ecology and NH Agricultural Experiment Station researcher, and Steve Eisenhaure, UNH Office of Woodlands and Natural Areas land use coordinator, have planted an entire orchard of the shrub at UNH's Kingman Farm.

Using this orchard, their team is looking...

Two new invasive species could invade the north country landscape, officials trying to protect sugar maples

January 27, 2016

CANTON — Residents, foresters and landscapers are being asked to be on the lookout for two new species that may invade the north country’s landscape, including a large worm that thrashes around like a snake.

The Asian spotted lanternfly and the giant Asian jumping worm are emerging invasive species that are being monitored by officials from Cornell Cooperative Extension of...

Eco Talk: Five challenges to our northeastern forests

January 22, 2016

There are five challenges that are inhibiting our forests' ability to regenerate successfully and remain a productive land use and a healthy ecosystem: Invasive species, deer, fragmentation, habitat diversity and private owner stewardship.