Phenology Report for May 18, 2015

From time to time, we will be reporting on the development of invasive plants across Illinois, informing readers about what is in bloom, leafing out, setting seed, senescing in different regions of the state.  Feel free to add to the knowledge by emailing chris.evans@illinois.gov and letting me know what the plants are doing in your area of Illinois.

Phenology Report for May 18, 2015*

(Contributors include Mike Davis, Nick Seaton, Caleb Grantham, Eric Smith, Scott Schirmer, Cathy McGlynn, and Kathleen Garness)
*Report based upon observations between May 11-15, 2015

Southern Illinois

• Multiflora rose, Rosa multiflora and bush honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii - These two common woody shrub species are in full bloom.  Spring leaf expansion is complete and the plants are susceptible to herbicide treatments (both foliar and cut stump work at this time of year).  Since both species do attract pollinators, it is recommended that you wait until the blooms have diminished before any foliar applications of herbicide.
• Japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica - this invasive plant is blooming now.  This species has a very long bloom window and can flower from now through the summer and fall, even into early winter.
• Autumn olive, Elaeagnus umbellata and Callery pear, Pyrus calleryana - These invasive shrubs/small trees are both past flowering and have small, unripe fruits.  They are both susceptible to herbicide treatments at this point in development. 
• Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata - This herbaceous woodland invader is nearly finished blooming and now mostly has green, unripe fruit pods.  Herbicide treatments are not effective at this developmental stage.  Instead, hand pull, bag, and remove plants.
• Sweet clover, Melilotus sp. and Sericea lespedeza, Lespedeza cuneata - both of these invasive members of the bean family are starting vigorous growth.  Sweet clover is in full flower.  Sericea lespedeza is not flowering yet but is in some place about knee high.  Look for these species growing in open areas, prairies, pastures, and roadsides.
• Japanese stiltgrass, Microstegium vimineum - this annual grass species started germinating about three weeks ago and is now several inches high.  As the temperatures increase, expect the growth rate of this plant to drastically increase.  While the plants can be easily killed at this time of year, subsequent germination can still occur.  Either plan on coming back at a later date for follow up treatments or hold off on treatments until mid-late summer.
• Poison hemlock, Conium maculatum and Wild parsnip, Pastinaca sativa - Both of these are biennial members of the carrot family.  Poison hemlock is flowering at this point and wild parsnip is just starting to come into flower.  Herbicide treatments can still be effective at this point, but watch poison hemlock and stop applying herbicides when the flowers start to turn into fruit.
• Reed Canarygrass, Phalaris arundinacea - This perennial grass species is just starting to flower.  Now is a great time of year to control this species with an herbicide application.  Keep in mind that this species often grows in wet areas.  If so, an aquatic-labelled herbicide should be used.
• Crow vetch, Securigera varia - This perennial herbaceous vine is just starting to bloom.  You can find this plant along many roadsides in the region.

Central Illinois

• Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata - This biennial invasive plant is in full flower right now but many are starting to show the seed pods.  While herbicides could still be effective at this point with so few seed pods, it may be more effective to hand pull, bag, and remove plants.
• Sweet clover, Melilotus sp. - is starting to bolt but is still low and "bushy" looking with no flowers yet.  This is a great time of year to treat this species, taking care to avoid non-target impacts.  UPDATE: On 5-18, Sweet clover was just starting to come into flower in this region.
• Dame's Rocket, Hesperis matronalis  - Is in full flower right now, but no seed pods have been observed yet.  As with garlic mustard, the best method of control when the plants are in full flower is to hand pull, bag, and remove all plants.
• Poison hemlock, Conium maculatum and Wild parsnip, Pastinaca sativa - both of these biennial plants are bolting but neither is flowering as of yet, though they are close.  This is the ideal time to treat them.
• Crown vetch, Securigera varia - This perennial herbaceous vine is growing quickly, but no flowers as of yet.
• Bush honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii and Autumn olive, Elaeagnus umbellata  - These woody invasive shrubs are both flowering, but no fruit formation as of yet.  Spring leaf expansion is complete and the plants are susceptible to herbicide treatments (both foliar and cut stump work at this time of year).  Since both species do attract pollinators, it is recommended that you wait until the blooms have diminished before any foliar applications of herbicide.
• Star of Bethlehem,Ornithogalum umbellatum  - This weedy low growing plant is in full flower, but is past peak.  Flowering should end soon.

Northern Illinois

• Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata - This biennial invasive plant is in full flower right now and just starting to develop seed pods.  While herbicides could still be effective at this point with so few seed pods, it may be more effective to hand pull, bag, and remove plants.
• Yellow rocket, Barbarea vulgaris - This weedy mustard is in full bloom now.  You can see this plant in roadsides, old fields, and other open areas.
• Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense - This perennial thistle is starting to grow but not yet near bloom.  Bull thistle, Cirsium vulgare, and teasel, Dipsacus sp., rosettes are apparent but not near blooming.
• Reed canarygrass, Phalaris arundinacea - This perennial grass is starting to mature but not in flower yet.  The best time of year to control this species with an herbicide application is just at the point of flowering.  Keep in mind that this species often grows in wet areas.  If so, an aquatic-labelled herbicide should be used.
• Common buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica - This woody invasive shrub/small tree is fully leafed out.  Spring leaf expansion is complete and the plants are susceptible to herbicide treatments (both foliar and cut stump work at this time of year). 
• Japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica - this woody invasive vine is just starting to bloom.  This species has a very long bloom window and can flower from now through the summer and fall, even into early winter.
• Bush honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii and Japanese barberry, Berberis thunbergii - These woody invasive shrubs are both in bloom right now.  Spring leaf expansion is complete and the plants are susceptible to herbicide treatments (both foliar and cut stump work at this time of year). 
• Leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula -  This herbaceous plant is in full bloom.

        

ISAM History - by the Numbers

Now that the calendars have turned to May, it is time to welcome everyone to Illinois Invasive Species Awareness Month.  This is the sixth year now for ISAM in Illinois and it only continues to grow.  That first year (2010) a total of 70 events were held.  This year, we have over 160 events on the calendar with more still being added!

Now that ISAM is becoming an established tradition in Illinois, this is a good time to look back at some of the history of Invasive Species Awareness Month, the effort and groups involved in getting it started, and the types of events held as part of ISAM.

The idea of Illinois Invasive Species Awareness Month was developed by the River to River CWMA steering committee in 2009.  Originally ISAM was going to be only a southern Illinois initiative (since that is the area covered by River to River CWMA), but the idea was brought to the Illinois Invasive Plant Species Council in the fall of 2010 and was met with enthusiasm to take it statewide.

Support letters were written, a website, blog, and Facebook page created and we were off to the races!

May was chosen as the perfect month for ISAM for two reasons, 1. it fit throughout the state as a month that volunteer workdays are happening (in particular garlic mustard pulls) and 2. school is still in session and the group wanted to make sure school classes had an opportunity to participate.

Through six years of Invasive Species Awareness Month, we've accumulated quite impressive statistics.  Below are some highlights of ISAM, by the numbers.

ISAM by the numbers:

2010 - First year for ISAM

66,036 - Number of pageviews the ISAM blog (http://illinoisisam.blogspot.com/) has received since it came online on April 21, 2010

569 - total number of events held over the six years of ISAM
('10 - 70, '11 - 64, '12 - 64, '13 - 84, '14 - 123, '15 - 164)

110 - People signed up to attend this year's Illinois Invasive Species Symposium

41 - Number of Great Garlic Mustard Event volunteer workdays planned by the East Central Illinois Invasive Plant Taskforce over the last two years

35 - Organizations that submitted letters of support for the initial establishment of Illinois Invasive Species Awareness Month

21 - Individuals, organizations or projects that have received an Illinois Invasive Species Award

Phenology Report for April 14, 2015

From time to time, we will be reporting on the development of invasive plants across Illinois, informing readers about what is in bloom, leafing out, setting seed, senescing in different regions of the state.  Feel free to add to the knowledge by emailing chris.evans@illinois.gov and letting me know what the plants are doing in your area of Illinois.

Phenology Report for April 14, 2015*

(Contributors include Cathy McGlynn, Mike Daab, Caleb Grantham, Nick Seaton, and Eric Smith, )
*Report based upon observations between April 8-14, 2015

Southern Illinois

• Multiflora rose, Rosa multiflora and bush honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii  - These two common woody shrub species are actively expanding their leaves right now and are nearing full leaf expansion.  This is not the time of year to treat these species with chemicals.  Wait until the leaves have fully expanded before conducting cut stump or foliar applications.
• Autumn olive, Elaeagnus umbellata - This species is actively expanding its leaves and starting to flower. This is not the time of year to treat this species with chemicals.  Wait until the leaves have fully expanded before conducting cut stump or foliar applications.
• Callery (Bradford) pear, Pyrus calleryana - This species is past peak for flowering.  Many of the plants still have flowers on them but the leaves are expanding now as the flowers fade.  It is still a great time of year to find and report new populations.  Look for this species along roadsides, rights-of-way, and other open habitats.
• Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata - Garlic mustard is bolting right now and starting to bloom. If a population is bolting but not flowering, it can still be treated with herbicide.  Once the population starts flowering heavily, you best option is to hand pull, bag, and remove the plants.
• Italian arum, Arum italicum - Is starting to actively grow.  New succulent leaves can be found.  This new invader is showing up in land within and adjacent to urban areas.

Central Illinois

• Bush honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii; autumn olive, Elaeagnus umbellata; and Japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica - These woody species are starting to leaf out, moving towards mid-leaf expansion.  This is not the time of year to treat these species with chemicals.  Wait until the leaves have fully expanded before conducting cut stump or foliar applications.
• Callery (Bradford) pear, Pyrus calleryana - This species is beginning to flower now.  This is the perfect time of year to survey and find new populations of this plant.  Look for this species along roadsides, rights-of-way, and other open habitats.
• Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata - Garlic mustard is not yet starting to bolt in Central Illinois but is expected to soon.  These populations can be treated with herbicides or hand-pulled.  Once the populations start to flower heavily, then hand pull, bag, and remove the plants.

Northern Illinois

• Lesser celandine, Ranunculus ficaria - This new invader is starting to bloom.  The bright yellow flowers blooming in low woods are easily spotted this time of year.  Be sure to verify identification, as there are native wildflowers that bloom in early spring that could be confused with this species.
• Japanese barberry, Berberis thungbergii and goutweed, Aegopodium podagraria - These two invaders are actively expanding their leaves right now.

2015 Illinois Invasive Species Symposium - May 28th in Champaign, IL

As the culminating event of 2015 Illinois Invasive Species Awareness Month, the Illinois Invasive Species Symposium promises to be a great opportunity to learn more about what is happening on the invasive species front throughout Illinois. The Illinois Invasive Species Symposium is a one-day, all-taxa symposium that features talks on current and emerging issues surrounding invasive plants, diseases, insects, and animals in Illinois.  Also including in the symposium is a ceremony for this year's Invasive Species Awareness Month Award winners.

This year's symposium will be held on May 28th from 9:30am - 4pm at the University of Illinois Extension Office in Champaign.  The symposium is free and open to the public.  We are planning on a live webcast of all presentations again this year, so check back for details on this as we get closer to the date.

*UPDATE - Onsite registration for the symposium is now full.  You can view a live webcast of the symposium at https://mediaspace.illinois.edu/media/University+of+Illinois+Live/1_co83enap

More information on the symposium can be found at: http://www.invasive.org/illinois/2015InvasiveSpeciesSymposium.html

Recordings of last year's symposium can be found at: http://www.invasive.org/illinois/2014InvasiveSpeciesSymposium.html

Japanese stiltgrass found in Iowa

Last fall, an infestation of Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) was found in Johnson County Iowa.  This represents that first time this species has been found in that state and the furthest Northwest it has been found.

Even though stiltgrass is an annual plant that ‘comes on’ primarily in the summer, it can still be identified this time of year by the thatch.  New germinates will start in late spring / early summer.

Below is a link to a document on the identification of stiltgrass that you might find useful –

http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1457/ANR-1457.pdf

Lastly, if you do know of or find infestations of stiltgrass in areas that are not indicated on this map, please enter the record into EDDMapS at www.eddmaps.org.   Just from looking at the map, I would think the Mississippi River corridor between Illinois and Missouri is a prime spot to find new infestations.

Job Announcement - Invasive Species Project Coordinator - River to River CWMA

The Shawnee Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc.

River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area

Job Description

Position Title:                   River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area Project Coordinator

Salary:                               $3,700 - $5,800 per month

Location:                           Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Marion, IL

Closing Date:                    4/17/2015

Essential Functions

The River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area Project Coordinator (PC) is a full-time contract position.   As this is a contract position, benefits are not included.  Contract work is secured through June 2017.  The PC serves as the coordinator of the River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area, a joint project of 13 Steering Committee members (see table below).  The PC’s office is based at the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters in Marion, IL but work will be conducted throughout the entire CWMA area.  This position takes lead responsibility for the CWMA, providing oversight and support for the implementation of CWMA projects and further development to achieve the mission of the CWMA.  The CWMA’s mission is to establish a framework for cooperatively addressing the effects of non-native invasive plants across jurisdictional boundaries within the 11 southern counties (Alexander, Gallatin, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Williamson, and Union) in Illinois.    To learn more about the CWMA, visit www.rtrcwma.org.

River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area Steering Committee Members
Illinois Department of Natural Resources	USDA Forest Service - Shawnee National Forest
USFWS-Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge	USFWS-Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
USFWS-Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge	USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service	Illinois Department of Transportation
Illinois Department of Agriculture	Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
University of Illinois Extension	The Nature Conservancy
Shawnee Resource Conservation and Development Area, INC.

The coordinator will work as part of the CWMA Steering Committee to provide oversight and support for the planning and implementation of projects to achieve the mission of the CWMA.  The coordinator has primary responsibility for completed project deliverables on existing grant-funded projects.  The coordinator also works with public agencies, conservation groups, and private landowners to advance the CWMA and ensure abatement of invasive plant species threats to the Cooperative Weed Management Area.  The CWMA Project Coordinator does not currently supervise other employees but does help direct the contractual work of others.

Specific Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management or related area and 1 to 2 years related experience or equivalent combination.  Additional education may be substituted for experience.
• Proven effectiveness in working with public agencies and other land managers.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills; ability to persuasively convey the CWMA mission to diverse groups including elected officials, donors, agencies, the public and others.  Working knowledge of invasive species prevention, early detection, containment and control techniques.
• An in-depth understanding of the ecological impacts of invasive species.
• Demonstrated ability to secure funding.

Specific Duties

1. Coordinate CWMA steering committee meetings and other meetings as needed.
2. Provide strategic financial and technical assistance to landowners for invasive plant control within the CWMA.
3. Implement the invasive species control portion of a forest health project that incorporates prescribed fire (in collaboration with the Southern Illinois Prescribed Burn Association) to promote forest health.  Work with Master Naturalists, volunteers and the volunteer coordinator to establish the Forest Restoration Support Team (FRST).  Conduct workdays and education and outreach events.
4. Facilitate the implementation of the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan’s Invasive Species Campaign within the CWMA.
5. Provide invasive plant workshops and training sessions for volunteers, landowners, businesses, and agencies.   Serve as the point person for collection and dissemination of information on invasive plant species in the CWMA.  Disseminate educational material focused on regional invasive species.  Prepare new educational materials. 
6. Consult with land management agencies, the Southern Illinois Invasive Species Strike Team, and private landowners on up-to-date control information, regional invasive plant priorities, and application methods.
7. Develop annual CWMA reports and management plans for priority species. 
8. Identify and seek out available funding opportunities.
9. Compile, collect, and enter invasive plant distribution data into the EDDMapS mapping system.
10. Work with CWMA members to continue Early Detection and Rapid Response for new invasive species.
11.  Administer and initiate CWMA initiatives coordinated with local, state, and federal government agencies and other organizations.
12.  Effectively represent the CWMA to the general public, elected and other governmental officials, industry, donors, media and other individuals and organizations.
13. Facilitate Invasive Species Awareness Month activities and events within the CWMA.
14. Continue the development of the CWMA website, Facebook page and news blog.
15. Other duties as assigned by the Steering Committee.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

1. Knowledge of current trends in invasive species policy, management and planning at the local, state, and national scale.
2. Successful experience in developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic project goals.
3. Management and administration experience, including ability to motivate, lead, meet objectives and manage performance of a large partnership.
4. Demonstrated experience in MS Office software, database/website development and GIS.

Complexity/Problem Solving

1. Cultivate the creative ideas of others to identify potential solutions.  Experiment to find creative solutions – think outside the box.
2. Resolve complex issues independently within the project area. 
3. Design, implement, and direct multiple projects within the local area, setting deadlines and ensuring project accountability.

Discretion/Latitude/Decision-making

1. Make sound decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
2. Act independently within broad program goals.
3. Decisions will affect other partners within project area and may have project-wide impact.

Responsibility/Oversight – Financial & Supervisory

1. Serve as project coordinator for CWMA and for some projects; coordinate the work of others.
2. Financial responsibility includes setting and meeting fundraising goals, i.e. grant preparation, evaluating results, and developing corrective strategies as needed.  Responsibility and accountability for meeting CWMA strategic goals and objectives.
3. Will need to gain cooperation from individuals or groups over whom there is no direct authority in order to accomplish project goals.

Communications/Interpersonal Contacts

1. Communication and presentations skills; ability to persuasively convey the mission of CWMA to diverse groups including elected officials, donors, steering committee, the public and others.  Communicate strategic project goals and objectives.
2. Work in partnership with other organizations in a collaborative or advisory role.
3. Prepare and present project proposals, including negotiating with federal, state and local agencies and other organizations to achieve project goals.

Working conditions/Physical effort

1. Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
2. Ability to work an irregular schedule including weekends and unpredicted schedule change, travel on short notice.

To apply, send Cover Letter, Resume (including 3 references), and Narrative addressing the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to:

Chris Evans

11731 State Highway 37

Benton, IL 62812

email: Chris.Evans@illinois.gov

fax: 618-439-7376

Note:  Electronic submittals are accepted and encouraged.  All materials must be received on or before Close of Business on 4/17/2015

For questions, contact Chris Evans at 618.435.8138 X 131 or Chris.Evans@illinois.gov

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

2015 First Detector Training Workshop Dates and Locations Announced

Dec. 2, 2014

Source: Kelly Estes, 217-333.1005, kcook8@illinois.edu
News writer: Stephanie Henry, 217-244-1183, slhenry@illinois.edu

2015 Invasive pest awareness workshops will focus on early detection and response

URBANA, Ill.  – University of Illinois Extension has announced the dates for its 2015 Illinois First Detector Invasive Pest Workshops covering important landscape and nursery pests, diseases, and invasive plants. Workshops will be offered at eight locations in Illinois beginning in January 2015.

Early detection and response is key to managing invasive pests. The Illinois First Detector Workshops, now in their third year, are aimed at improving first detector training and invasive species awareness. The workshops will cover new topics on current and emerging invasive plants, pathogens, and insects. Each location will have sessions covering the brown marmorated stink bug, viruses in ornamental plants, and invasive plants and their management, as well as a session devoted to discussing invasive pest pathways.

“Community involvement is key in the early detection of invasive species. We are very excited about these new workshop topics and look forward to working with participants in learning more about these issues facing our local communities,” said Kelly Estes, state survey coordinator.

As in previous years, these in-depth training sessions will cover material that includes:

• Identification/detection
• Life cycle/biology
• Hosts
• Sampling
• Management
• Commonly confused look-a-likes

Once again, those attending will also take part in hands-on activities, which will allow attendees to examine these pests and diseases in more detail.

The target audience includes certified arborists, tree care professionals, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, forestry and natural resource professionals, conservationists, and others with an interest in trees.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for:  IAA Certified Arborists, Continuing Forestry Education Credits, Master Gardener, and Master Naturalist.

Workshops will be held at the following locations:

• Collinsville, Jan. 29 – 618-344-4230
• Wheaton, Feb. 3 – 630-584-6166
• DeKalb, Feb. 4 – 815-758-8194
• Mt. Vernon, Feb. 11 – 618-548-1446
• Charleston, Feb. 12 – 217-543-3755
• Macomb, Feb. 18 – 309-837-3939
• Moline, Feb. 19 – 309-756-9978
• Bloomington, Feb. 26 – 309-663-8306

Those interested in attending should contact the host locations above for registration. A $40 non-refundable registration fee covers instruction, on-site lunch, and training materials. Space is limited.

This program and materials are based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Agreement No. 2014-70006-22557and coordinated by Kelly Estes, state survey coordinator, IL CAPS Program at the Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, and Diane Plewa, Plant Clinic diagnostician and outreach coordinator, Department of Crop Sciences. Additional support for this program will be provided by Christopher Evans, the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan - invasive species campaign coordinator, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Scott Schirmer, plant and pesticide specialist supervisor, emerald ash borer program manager, Illinois Department of Agriculture.