Monday, December 20, 2010

Southern Illinois Invasive Species Strike Team 2010 Annual Report available online

The 2010 annual report for the Southern Illinois Invasive Species Strike Team is now available online at: http://www.rtrcwma.org/striketeamreport2010.pdf

The report has great information on the great work the strike team is doing.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Distribution maps now available on www.rtrcwma.org

Thanks to a partnership with the University of Georgia's Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, the River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area now has invasive species distribution maps available on our website.

http://www.rtrcwma.org/distribution/index.html

Maps are displayed through the popular EDDMapS system developed by UGA. Both county-level and point maps are up for many invasive species in the region.

You can also help fill out any gaps in the data by submitting invasive species reports on our website: http://www.rtrcwma.org/report/

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Stiltgrass Summit presentation recordings available online

All of the presentations and panel discussions from the 2010 Stiltgrass Summit are now available online at www.rtrcwma.org/stiltgrass. The Summit had a great series of presentations, ranging from ecology and spread to control and management of Japanese stiltgrass. They are definitely worth reviewing if you manage this plant.

Presentations
Microstegium vimineum: George Ainslie’s Discovery and What It Means to Us
Les Mehrhoff – UCONN and IPANE

No Silver Bullet: Setting the Stage for the Stiltgrass Symposium
Chris Evans, River to River CWMA

Strategic, Cooperative, and Coordinated Management of Japanese Stiltgrass
Mike Ielmini, USDA Forest Service

Predictive Spatial Model of Japanese Stiltgrass Spread
Angie Shelton, Indiana University

Establishment, Spread, and Seed Viability of Microstegium vimineum in Eastern Forests
Cynthia Huebner, USDA Forest Service

Long-term dynamics and impacts of Microstegium invasion in the Piedmont of New Jersey
Scott Meiners, Eastern Illinois University

Niche limitations of a vigorous exotic invader, Microstegium vimineum, across temperate forest ecotones
Robert Warren, Yale University

Understanding the ecosystem-level effects of stiltgrass: does it set the stage for its own success?
Justin Wright, Duke University

Nitrogen dynamics in a forest understory following invasion by Microstegium vimineum
Jennifer Fraterrigo, University of Illinois

Positive feedbacks on M. vimineum growth through alteration of nitrogen cycling
Marissa Lee, Duke University

Impacts and management of Microstegium vimineum invasions
Luke Flory, Indiana University

Keeping the wolves at bay: Techniques used to slow the spread of Microstegium and other small-seeded invasive plants
Chris Evans, River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area

● Panel Discussion - mp3 (40 megabytes) / wma (40 megabytes) / ogg (122 megabytes)

Friday, August 27, 2010

Southern Indiana CWMA Project Director Position

Neat job opportunity over in Southern Indiana:

Job Announcement - Project Director for the Southern Indiana CWMA


To apply: http://www.in.gov/spd/2334.htm
, select "Apply Now", click on "Advanced Search" and enter Job Opening ID = 569597

Application closing date: 9/16/2010

Salary: $15-$20 per hour based upon qualifications and experience

Job Description:

The Southern Indiana Cooperative Weed Management Area (SICWMA) is a 501-c-3 non-profit organization whose mission is to protect, restore, and enhance southern Indiana’s landscapes by coordinating efforts to identify, prevent, and control invasive species. SICWMA entered into a cooperative agreementcontract with the DNR Division of Forestry to initiate an Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) program for invasive species in the 37 southern Indiana counties. Funding for this position is through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Responsibilities:

The primary responsibility of the Project Director (PD) is to implement and operate an invasive species early detection and rapid response program for Southern Indiana. This project will include:
• Creating awareness of the program among key target constituencies such as county extension and Soil and Water Conservation District staff, district foresters and wildlife specialists, park and highway department personnel, and the general public.
• Receiving reports of possible invasive species infestations and taking the appropriate action to follow-up.
• Organizing the training of response teams that will do verification and mapping of reported infestations.
• Developing and finding funding for appropriate control options of certain infestations based on species, severity, sensitivity of location, and funding eligibility.
• Tracking, reporting and follow-up on all aspects of the project including preparation of project reports to the SICWMA steering committee and its funding organizations.

Other duties and responsibilities include:
• Establishing a SICWMA office with appropriate communication capabilities.
• Pursuing additional funding sources for SICWMA and invasive species control projects.
• Strengthening involvement and relationships with SICWMA partner organizations.
• Assisting the Steering and Standing committees in spreading awareness among the general public and facilitating creation of local Invasive Species Organizations where possible.
• Developing and improving SICWMA web-based resources.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources field – or equivalent experience.
• Vehicle and valid drivers’ license – significant travel within SICWMA will be necessary.
• Working knowledge of invasive species and vegetative management practices.
• Flexibility to work irregular schedule including some evenings and weekends.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and set priorities within broad goals and objectives.
• Personal Computer skills including experience with MS Office applications, web site use, and basic knowledge of social networking options.
• Good physical condition – ability to participate in educational and work activities in natural areas with rough terrain.
Highly Preferable:
• Advanced degree or significant experience in Natural Resources field.
• Demonstrated ability to secure funding.
• Project management experience.
• Experience working with state or federal agencies and institutions of higher education.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Indiana pesticide applicator’s license.
Preferable:
• Extensive knowledge of current trends in invasive species spread and control.
• GIS and Invasive Species Mapping knowledge and experience.
• Basic accounting knowledge and experience.
• Experience coordinating volunteers.
• Web site design or management experience.

Position Duration: 16 months – with potential to extend with additional funding

Location: Seymour - Brownstown, Indiana area (tentative)

Questions about the position
- contact Carl Hauser (chauser@dnr.IN.gov, (317) 232-4114), Teena Ligman (tligman@fs.fed.us, 812-276-4757), or Tom Tremain (ttinogil@bcremc.net)

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Emerald Ash Borer found in Tennessee

Via the Bugwood Blog -
--
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture announced yesterday (July 27, 2010) the discovery of emerald ash borer. This is the first detection of the destructive tree pest in the state. Tennessee's Agriculture Commissioner says they will be working closely with federal officials to determine the extent of the infestation and take steps to slow its spread. The emerald ash borer was found last week at a truck stop in Knox County near the Loudon County line. Click here to read the full article.
--

For more information on Emerald Ash Borer in Illinois, go to http://www.agr.state.il.us/eab/ or http://illinoiscapsprogram.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

New Invasive Plant Field Guide

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has published a great new field guide called "A Field Guide to Terrestrial Invasive Plants in Wisconsin". This is a great guide with good information on identification and control. Many of these same species are found in Illinois. An electronic version can be found at:

http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/pdfs/WI%20inv%20plant%20field%20guide%20web%20version.pdf

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

New Video on Japanese Stiltgrass

Here is a link to a new video about Japanese stiltgrass in Southern Illinois:

http://vimeo.com/12304384

Also, the River to River CWMA is hosting a conference on stiltgrass in August. For more information on that, go to: www.rtrcwma.org.stiltgrass.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Madagascan bird declared extinct - due to, in part, invasive fish species

A short article on endangered birds, including one, the Alaotra Grebe, that has been declared extinct, in part due to the introduction of invasive predatory fish into its home range.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/05/26/bird.extinction.red.list/

Friday, May 21, 2010

Weekend ISAM Events - May 22-23

Lots more Invasive Species Awareness Month events going on this weekend. Here is a quick rundown on the events. For more details, check out the calendar on the ISAM webpage: http://www.invasive.org/illinois/Calendar.html.

Saturday, May 22

Emiquon Preserve - Stewardship of the Land
When: Saturday, May 22, 2010
Where: Emiquon Preserve - The Nature Conservancy

Landowner Field Day - Forest Invasive Plant Management
When: Saturday, May 22, 2010
Where: Jackson County

Mississippi Bluffs Invasives Awareness Day - Shawnee National Forest
When: Saturday, May 22, 2010
Where: Pine Hills Campground

Chicago Park District Volunteer Stewardship Day
When: Saturday, May 22, 2010
Where: Loyola Park

Chicago Park District Volunteer Stewardship Day
When: Saturday, May 22, 2010
Where: Jackson Park, Wooded Island

Lake County Forest Preserve District Volunteer Workday, Garlic Mustard Pull
When: Saturday, May 22, 2010
Where: Ryerson Woods, Almond Marsh, MIddlefork Savanna, Rollins Savanna, Wadsworth Savanna, Wright Woods Forest Preserves, Lake County

Kane County - Bliss Woods Forest Preserve in Sugar Grove Volunteer Workday
When: Sat, May 22, 9am – 12pm
Where: Bliss Woods Forest Preserve in Sugar Grove - Kane County

Kane County - Glenwood Park Forest Preserve in Batavia Volunteer Workday
When: Sat, May 22, 9am – 12pm
Where: Glenwood Park Forest Preserve in Batavia - Kane County

St. Charlest Park District Volunteer Workday - Persimmon Woods
When: Sat, May 22, 9am – 12pm
Where: Persimmon Woods - Keim Trail in Hunt Club subdivision

Sunday, May 23

Volunteer Workday
When: Sunday, May 23, 2010
Where: Yonder Prairie Nature Preserve

Lake County Forest Preserve District Volunteer Workday, Garlic Mustard Pull
When: Sunday, May 23, 2010
Where: Heron Creek Forest Preserves, Lake County

Nachusa Grasslands - Wade Creek Wading Expedition – Weed Season
When: Sun, May 23, 2pm – 2pm
Where: Nachusa Grasslands (Lee/Ogle counties)




Friday, May 14, 2010

Weekend ISAM Events - May 15-16

Here we are already in the 3rd weekend of Invasive Species Awareness Month. So far over 30 events have already been held across the state as part of ISAM. We still have plenty of events during the rest of the month and this weekend has some great opportunities for Illinois' citizens to learn more about invasive species. As always, check out the ISAM calendar at: http://www.invasive.org/illinois/Calendar.html for full details.

Saturday, May 15th

Kane County - Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin Volunteer Workday
When: Saturday, May 15, 2010
Where: Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin - Kane County

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County Volunteer Workday
When: Saturday, May 15, 2010
Where: Dutch Creek/Pioneer Fen, Johnsburg

Midlothian Clean-up at Sundrop Prairie and Field Trip
When: Sat, May 15, 9am – 3pm
Where: Sundrop Prairie

Kane County - Aurora West Forest Preserve Volunteer Workday
When: Sat, May 15, 9am – 12pm
Where: Aurora West Forest Preserve - Kane County

Nachusa Grasslands - Eight Oaks – Weed Season
When: Sat, May 15, 9am – 12pm
Where: Nachusa Grasslands (Lee/Ogle counties)

St. Charles Park District Volunteer Workday - Ferson Creek Fen Nature Preserve
When: Sat, May 15, 9am – 12pm
Where: Ferson Creek Fen Nature Preserve - On Route 31, north of St. Charles

Ted Stone Preserve - Volunteer Workday
When: Sat, May 15, 9am – 12pm
Where: Ted Stone Preserve, La Grange Road and 67th St., Hodgkins

War Bluff Sanctuary - Weed Watch Bio-Blitz
When: Sat, May 15, 9:30am – 12:30pm
Where: War Bluff Sanctuary - Golconda

The Gardens at SIUE invasive plant species event
When: Sat, May 15, 10am – 2pm
Where: The Gardens at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

Invasive Plant Presentation and Identification Hike
When: Sat, May 15, 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Where: Barkhausen Wetlands Center - Ullin, Illinois

Sunday, May 16th

Oak Woodlands Wellness Checkup
When: Sunday, May 16, 2010
Where: Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake

Chicago Park District Volunteer Stewardship Day
When: Sunday, May 16, 2010
Where: Nichols Park

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County Volunteer Workday
When: Sunday, May 16, 2010
Where: Ryder's Woods, Woodstock

Lake County Forest Preserve District Volunteer Workday, European Buckthorn Removal
When: Sunday, May 16, 2010
Where: Buffalo Creek and Wright Woods Forest Preserves, Lake County



Friday, May 7, 2010

Weekend ISAM events

Lots of events to choose from this weekend. As always, check the ISAM calendar (http://www.invasive.org/illinois/Calendar.html) for more details. If you do attend any of these events, don't forget to let us know how they went and even post some pictures on our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/illinoisISAM).

Saturday, May 8th

Shedd Explorers Field Day: Canoeing program
When: Sat, May 8, 9am – 1pm
Where: Chicago River
Description: It is for 11-14 year olds and they will canoe the Chicago River. Invasive Species and other ecology topics will be discussed. Hosted by the Shedd Aquarium.

Bell Smith Springs - Invasive Plant Hike
When: Sat, May 8, 10am – 2pm
Where: Bell Smith Springs - Shawnee National Forest
Description: This Southern Illinois Native Plant Society trip will focus on the wide variety of native plants found in this natural area but we will also look at the invasive exotic plant that threaten those wonderful plants. Hosted by the Illinois Native Plant Society.

Chicago Park District - Volunteer Stewardship Day
When: Saturday, May 8, 2010
Where: Montrose Point
Description: Invasive species removal workday - Chicago Park District

Chicago Park District - Volunteer Stewardship Day
When: Saturday, May 8, 2010
Where: Gompers Point
Description: Invasive species removal workday - Chicago Park District

Nachusa Grasslands-Big Woods – Weed Season
When: Sat, May 8, 9am – 12pm
Where: Nachusa Grasslands (Lee/Ogle Counties)
Description: Pulling and cutting invasive weeds at the Big Woods unit at Nachusa Grasslands.

Chicago River Invasive Plant Management Workday
When: Saturday, May 8, 2010
Where: North Park, Riverwoods
Description: Invasive species removal workday - Village of Lincolnshire

Grayslake - Garlic Mustard Pull and Native Planting
When: Saturday, May 8, 2010
Where: Oak Openings Nature Preserve, Grayslake
Description: Hosted by the Liberty Prairie Conservancy

Chicago Park District - Volunteer Stewardship Day
When: Saturday, May 8, 2010
Where: Canal Origins
Description: Invasive species removal workday - Chicago Park District

Godfrey - Invasive Talk - The Nature Institute
When: Sat, May 8, 9am – 11am
Where: Talahi Lodge - Godfrey, Illinois
Description: An indoors presentation on invasive plants will be followed by an outdoor hike to see some invasive species in the field. We will be meeting at 9am at the Talahi Lodge.

Lake County - Volunteer Workday
When: Saturday, May 8, 2010
Where: Cuba Marsh and Prairie Wolf Slough Forest Preserves, Lake County
Description: European Buckthorn Removal, hosted by Lake County Forest Preserve District

Quad Cities Garlic Mustard Challenge
When: Sat, May 8, 9am – 12pm
Where: Parks near Quad Cities
Description: This garlic mustard challenge will take place at multiple sites in the Quad Cities area in both Iowa and Illinois.

Chicago Park District - Volunteer Stewardship Day
When: Saturday, May 8, 2010
Where: Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Description: Invasive species removal workday - Chicago Park District

Chicago Park District - Volunteer Stewardship Day
When: Saturday, May 8, 2010
Where: Jackson Park, Wooded Island
Description: Invasive species removal workday - Chicago Park District

Sunday, May 9th

Lake County - Volunteer Workday
When: Sunday, May 9, 2010
Where: Marl Flats Forest Preserves, Lake County
Description: European buckthorn removal workday, Hosted by the Lake County Forest Preserve District






Thursday, May 6, 2010

2010 Chicago Botanic Garden Invasive Plant Management Workshop Presentations available online

The video recordings of the 2010 Invasive Plant Management Workshop held at the Chicago Botanic Garden in February are now available for viewing online!

The view the videos, click on the following link:

Click on the agenda item you would like to view. Presentations covered chemical control of many widespread invasive plants in IL, Tansy, Leafy spurge, IPM for Reed Canary Grass, novel approaches to Buckthorn control, wick applicators, and general aquatic plant management.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

First week of May - midweek ISAM events

Two midweek ISAM events during the second week of May, one at each end of the state. If go get a chance to attend one, you can give feedback by posting on the ISAM facebook page (linked from www.illinoisinvasives.org)

Wednesday, May 5th
The Rite Bite Dinner
When: Wed, May 5, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Where: Shedd Aquarium at Uncommon Ground
Description: This adult program will highlight the importance of native plants vs. non-native plants for use in gardening. They will tour the roof-top garden at the restaurant and hear from Shedd’s horticulturalist, Christine Nye. (Shedd Aquarium)

Wednesday, May 5th
Giant City State Park - Illinois Weed Watch Training Session
When: Wed, May 5, 6pm – 8pm
Where: Giant City State Park - Visitor's Center - Makanda, Illinois (map)
Description: Invasive plant species can aggressively overtake or displace native species causing a drastic reduction in our native biodiversity and natural beauty. Discovering weeds before they become well-established is critical to reducing damage to ecosystem integrity, preventing the loss of habitat for rare plants and animals, and preventing costly natural resource management. WeedWatch volunteers will learn to identify, locate and map invasive species within Illinois Natural Area Inventory sites that are located in Wilderness Areas in the Shawnee National Forest. Interested? Contact Terri Treacy at 618-521-1030 or terri.treacy@sierraclub.org.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Thursday, April 29, 2010

ISAM Events for first weekend of May

A good set of events to kick off ISAM, here is a list of the events scheduled for the first weekend in May. Check with http://www.invasive.org/illinois/Calendar.html for more details about specific events.

May 1st

1. Garlic Mustard Madness Educational Hike - Coral Woods, Marengo (McHenry County Conservation District

2. The Wonders of Bell Smith Springs - Bay Creek Campground (Shawnee National Forest)

3. Volunteer Stewardship Day - Burnham Nature Sanctuary (Chicago Park District)

4. Volunteer Workday, European Buckthorn Removal - Grainger Woods and Independence Grove Forest Preserves, Lake County (Lake County Forest Preserve District)

5. Garlic Mustard Pull Workday - Chautauqua Bottoms , Carbondale (Green Earth Inc.)

6. Invasive Plant Hike – Giant City State Park, Makanda (Friends of Giant City)

May 2nd

1. Volunteer Stewardship Day - Nichols Park (Chicago Park District)

Call for Volunteers - May 1 Carbondale Area

Call for Volunteers:

Green Earth will be hosting an invasive species removal workday Saturday May 1, 9:00 am to noon, targeting the aggressive garlic mustard plant. Garlic mustard will be hand-pulled, bagged, and removed from Green Earth's Chautauqua Bottoms Nature Preserve.

Volunteers are asked to meet at the Community Life Center Parking area, 2500 Sunset Road, Carbondale, at 9:00 to receive a quick briefing on identifying and handling of garlic mustard. Groups will then walk or carpool to assigned area of the preserve. Please wear long pants, long sleeves, and shoes that can get wet. Green Earth will supply garbage bags, water, and snacks.

For more information call or email Stephanie Eichholz at 618 201-3774 or director@greenearthinc.org

Wednesday, April 21, 2010