The Science Festival is underway in Sault Ste. Marie! This week, we’re celebrating science, technology, and community with engaging experiences for all ages, from hands‑on learning to evening events. Check out the full schedule, and take part in celebrating curiosity and STEM in our community!
🔬🎉Attention Sault Ste. Marie and area! The Science Festival is back next week for a week-long celebration of science, technology, and community in Sault Ste. Marie! 🚀
Mark your calendars! April 20-25 ✨
Elm zigzag sawfly (EZS) is an invasive pest of elm trees. Larvae create zigzag feeding patterns. It reproduces rapidly and repeated defoliation by EZS stresses elms, increasing disease risk and mortality. Report to EDDMapS.
Learn more: bit.ly/3rYv0m2
Many invasive plants begin growing earlier in spring than native species, giving them a head start in competing for light, space, and nutrients. Early invasives to watch for include goutweed, periwinkle, garlic mustard, and yellow archangel.
Learn more here: bit.ly/3n4OTG9
Spring ephemerals like trilliums and trout lilies bloom soon.
Invasive plants (e.g. garlic mustard, periwinkle) grow early too and can outcompete native flowers.
Help protect forests: plant natives, stay on trails, clean footwear, and avoid dumping plants.
Learn more: bit.ly/4t1k1bl
Upcoming Webinars!
• April 16 | 10 A.M., E.T.
Genetics and disease resistance in eastern North America trees 🌳
• May 21 | 9 A.M., E.T.
Global homogenization of freshwater fish diversity during the Anthropocene: evidence from tropical East Asia 🐟
🔗ttps://bit.ly/4sVglqJ
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid is a small aphid-like insect infesting hemlock trees. It feeds at the base of needles, causing tree death. Egg sacs resemble cotton balls and are best seen in spring. Other signs: needle loss, discolouration, dieback. Report to CFIA or EDDMapS. bit.ly/3TfDD8M
No Prune Season is Here! Help Protect Oak Trees
Avoid pruning or otherwise damaging oaks from April to November, which is when sap beetles that transmit invasive oak wilt are most active. Fresh wounds attract these beetles, increasing the risk of infection.
Learn more: bit.ly/4lFdDmt
Early Registration Extension | The early registration deadline for ICAIS 2026 has been extended. Apply by April 14 to take advantage of reduced fees. Learn more and register here: bit.ly/3J0O3JX
As you tidy up your yard and garden this spring, keep proper disposal of yard waste in mind. Many invasive plants can regrow from small fragments or seeds, meaning improper disposal can spread them further.
Learn how to keep your yard free of invasive species: bit.ly/4t1k1bl
When planning your garden this spring, it's important to keep in mind that some seeds and plants you may come across are invasive. By following these five practices, we can help preserve the health of native plants, reduce invasive species, and promote biodiversity. bit.ly/4t1k1bl
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a bright green beetle attacking all ash species. Larvae tunnel under bark, blocking water and nutrients, causing widespread ash loss. Signs: Woodpecker feeding, D-shaped holes, S-shaped galleries. Report to CFIA or EDDMapS. Get involved:
www.invasivespeciescentre.c...
We're currently seeking a pool of candidates to serve on our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors engage in effective policy planning to respond to the needs of our communities and partners and act as stewards for the protection of our resources. Apply by April 2: bit.ly/3mkm4Ub
We’re hiring! The ISC is currently seeking applications for an Invasive Phragmites Regional Coordinator who will work collaboratively to reduce the impact of the invasive plant, Phragmites across Ontario. Learn more and apply: bit.ly/3mkm4Ub
Join MIPN for our April webinar!
Biological Control of Introduced Phragmites australis in Ontario
April 7th
11:30 CT / 12:30 ET
Presenter: Dr. Ian Jones, University of Toronto
This webinar is supported by the Invasive Species Centre
Use the QR code or visit mipn.org/learn/mipn-webinars/ to register.
Working in invasive species management at a local level?
Join the Invasive Species Municipal Community of Practice (CoP). The CoP is a virtual space for municipal staff, Conservation Authorities, and Indigenous communities to connect and collaborate.
Request access: bit.ly/municipalCoP
1 Week Remains | Early Registration for the International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species ends on March 31. Register now to take advantage of reduced fees. Learn more and register: bit.ly/3J0O3JX
Join out team! The ISC is currently seeking applications for an Invasive Phragmites Regional Coordinator. This position leads key elements of the Ontario Phragmites Action program including coordination of efforts in Central Ontario. Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/3mkm4Ub
🌳 Last chance to prune oak trees!
With no prune season coming up for your oak trees, plan to do your pruning soon.
Refrain from pruning oak trees from April - November. Pruning or damaging oak trees during this time makes them more vulnerable to oak wilt disease.
bit.ly/2ZGOYFn
🌿 Invasive plants don’t just take over your garden! They can spread into natural areas, crowding out native plants and reducing biodiversity.
Before planting, take a moment to research your choices to make sure they’re not invasive in your area.
More: bit.ly/4t1k1bl
🌿 Gardening Tip: Some popular plants, like lily of the valley, periwinkle, and goutweed, are invasive in Canada. Consider choosing native plants instead to support local ecosystems.🌱
Access our gardening resource page here: bit.ly/4t1k1bl
Maple trees are important across North America and support Canada’s maple syrup industry, which produces 70% of the world’s supply.🍁
The invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle prefers maples, which take about 40 years to mature for sap. Report sightings to CFIA or EDDMapS. bit.ly/3JzuG7F
Free Workshop: Emerald Ash Borer & Black Ash
Join the Invasive Species Centre in Hamilton to learn the latest research on managing Emerald Ash Borer.
Hear about seed collection for conservation and Indigenous perspectives.
📅 Mar 23 | 9am–12pm
Register: bit.ly/4rve1WY
Are you an academic or professional working in the field of aquatic invasive species? Join us in Belfast from August 23 - 27 for the International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species. Early Registration pricing ends on March 31, 2026. Learn more: bit.ly/3J0O3JX
The invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) threatens North America’s hardwoods, but prefers maples. Look for round dime-sized holes, sap at egg sites, and sawdust-like frass. Report sightings to CFIA or EDDMapS.
Learn more: bit.ly/3pMNHYe
🌿 Stay Informed. Stay Ahead. 🌿
Get the latest news on invasive species—right in your inbox! 📩
Join our email list for quick updates, expert insights, reports, webinars, and more, all focused on protecting our environment from invasive species.
👉 Sign up today: bit.ly/381hmqk
🌿 Stay Informed. Stay Ahead. 🌿
Get the latest news on invasive species—right in your inbox! 📩
Join our email list for quick updates, expert insights, reports, webinars, and more, all focused on protecting our environment from invasive species.
👉 Sign up today: bit.ly/381hmqk
Free Workshop: Emerald Ash Borer & Black Ash 🌳
Join us March 23 in Hamilton for a half‑day session on protecting ash trees and managing EAB impacts, with a focus on at‑risk black ash.
📅 Mon, Mar 23 • 🕘 9–12 • 📍 The Gasworks
Free to attend — register here: bit.ly/4rve1WY
Spring might feel far off, but now’s the time to plan your garden. 🌱
Some popular plants can become invasive and harm local forests and ecosystems.
Check which species to avoid before you order your seeds and plants: bit.ly/4t1k1bl
Workshop: Invasive Species Management for Farms & Rural Landowners 🌱
With experts from the Invasive Species Centre, York Region, and local Conservation Authorities.
📅 Mar 13, 2026
🕚 11am–2pm
📍 Schomberg Community Hall (Upper Floor)
Register: www.king.ca/resilientAG