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.
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.
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.
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.
Full Details Here: https://jerichovermont.blogspot.com/2022/06/birders-helping-birds-dead-creek-wma.html
Join Maeve Kim and Bernie Paquette of Jericho on July 7th at Dead Creek WMA in Addison to help restore habitat for the birds. They have successfully run volunteer invasive plant management efforts in their community and are now sharing the love and passion for action in a collaboration with VT Fish & Wildlife.
What: Invasive Honeysuckle cutting party
Who: Anyone with loppers, saws, gloves, and a desire to help the birds! (please let organizers know ahead of time if you plan to attend)
When: On July 7th, time TBD (watch link above for more details)
Where: Dead Creek WMA Brilyea Access (https://ebird.org/hotspots?hs=L201059&yr=all&m=)
Why: For the birds we all love!
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
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!
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.