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Upcoming Events

Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council Annual Forum

nsinvasives

Want to learn more about invasive species and what

Want to learn more about invasive species and what you can do to reduce their spread? Then this event is for you!

The Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council is leading an invasive species guided walk at Frog Pond on April 21st from 1-3 pm. At this guided walk, you will learn the skills to identify some common invasive species and how to report observations on iNaturalist. It is recommended to download iNaturalist on your mobile device before the event.

Check out the other events that are a part of HRM Earth Fest at the following link: halifax.ca/earthfest

Help NSISC protect our ecosystems! The last author

Help NSISC protect our ecosystems!
The last authorized introduction of Smallmouth Bass in Nova Scotia was in 1984. Introduced as a sportfish in the 1940’s, they are now confirmed in at least 300 waterbodies in the province. Smallmouth Bass are effective predators, can alter ecosystems and outcompete native species for important resources, such as food and habitat. It is illegal to use Smallmouth Bass as bait in Nova Scotia. If fishing on lakes with Smallmouth Bass, keep equipment and gear clean, drained and dry! Never release a live fish into a new body of water.

#DontLetItLoose #CleanDrainDry #invasivespeciesawareness #nsinvasives

As a part of HRM Earth Fest, the Nova Scotia Invas

As a part of HRM Earth Fest, the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council will be leading a free guided invasive species walk at Frog Pond Park on April 21 from 1-3 pm.

On this walk, you will learn about the connection between climate change and invasive species, how to identify several invasive species, what you can do to prevent their spread, and how to report observations to iNaturalist. It is recommended to download iNaturalist on your mobile device before the event.

Research before you plant! Many popular ornamental

Research before you plant!
Many popular ornamental plant species are invasive species! Invasive garden plants can escape gardens and invade critical habitats of Species at Risk. Help protect Species at Risk by following our Plant Wise program.

1) Avoid planting invasive species. Check out our Grow Me Instead for a list of common invasive garden plants and native alternatives! https://bit.ly/49S580I

2) Dispose of invasive plants properly. Place the invasive plant material in a black garbage bag and let it sit in the sun for several weeks. Once the material is no longer viable it can be disposed of. Call your local landfill before disposal to follow the proper procedures in your area.

3) Avoid moving plant material such as tree branches long distances. Invasive species such as Emerald Ash Borer can hitch a ride and move to a new area.

Learn more at: https://nsinvasives.ca/plant-wise/

Faites des recherches avant de planter!
De nombreuses espèces de plantes ornementales populaires sont des espèces envahissantes! Les plantes de jardin envahissantes peuvent s’échapper des jardins et envahir les habitats essentiels des espèces en péril. Aidez à protéger les espèces en péril en suivant notre programme Jardinez Intelligemment.

1) Évitez de planter des espèces envahissantes. Consultez notre guide « Cultivez-moi a la place » plutôt pour obtenir une liste des plantes de jardin envahissantes les plus courantes et des alternatives indigènes! https://bit.ly/432u4Ad

2) Débarrassez-vous correctement des plantes envahissantes. Placez le matériel végétal envahissant dans un sac à déchets noir et laissez-le reposer au soleil pendant plusieurs semaines. Une fois que le matériel n’est plus viable, il peut être éliminé. Appelez votre centre d’enfouissement local avant de vous en débarrasser afin de suivre les procédures en vigueur dans votre région.

3) Évitez de déplacer des matériaux de plantes tels que des branches d’arbres sur de longues distances. Des espèces envahissantes telles que l’agrile du frêne peuvent s’y accrocher et s’installer dans une nouvelle zone.

Pour en savoir plus : https://nsinvasives.ca/plant-wise/

Help NSISC protect our ecosystems! Chain Pickerel

Help NSISC protect our ecosystems!
Chain Pickerel is an invasive freshwater fish, illegally introduced in Nova Scotia in the 1940’s. As voracious predators, they can negatively impact native populations and habitat, especially at-risk species, such as the Atlantic Whitefish and Atlantic Salmon. If you are fishing in a lake with Chain Pickerel, keep your fishing, boating gear, livewell and buckets clean to prevent accidental transportation of fish or fish eggs into other water bodies. Using or possessing Chain Pickerel for bait in Nova Scotia is illegal. Clean Drain Dry your equipment and gear, and Don’t Let It Loose!

#DontLetItLoose #CleanDrainDry #invasivespeciesawareness #nsinvasives

🌷Spring has Sprung! 🌱 Help prevent the spre

🌷Spring has Sprung! 🌱

Help prevent the spread of invasive species by following #PlantWise practices and avoid planting invasive species in your garden. The NSISC and NBISC Grow Me Instead Guidebook is a great resource for learning about common invasive species used in gardening and what safe native alternatives you can plant instead.

Click here to download the free pdf file of the guidebook in both English and French: https://nsinvasives.ca/plant-wise/

Help NSISC protect our ecosystems! It is important

Help NSISC protect our ecosystems!
It is important to avoid releasing plants and animals into the wild since it can cause damage to natural spaces, including waterways like lakes, rivers, and ponds. Non-native species can threaten native species, spread diseases, and affect resources and conservation efforts. Therefore, it's crucial to refrain from releasing aquarium pets and plants into the wild, as they can cause severe harm to the environment. For instance, Carolina Fanwort can take over ponds and lakes, while the Marbled Crayfish can alter essential habitats and compete with native species for resources. If you have any unwanted pets or plants, don't panic. ‼ STAY CALM AND DON’T LET IT LOOSE! Many pet stores and aquarium retailers will take them back.

For more information, you can visit https://nsinvasives.ca/dont-let-it-loose/.

#aquaticinvasivespecies #InvasiveSpeciesAwareness #DontLetItLoose #DLIL #invasivespeciesawareness

PLAY CLEAN GO! Invasive species are a significant

PLAY CLEAN GO!

Invasive species are a significant threat to biodiversity and Species at Risk!

Whatever your adventure may be, it’s always important to follow Play Clean Go to prevent the spread of invasive species. Several invasive plant species have specialized fruit that cling to hair or clothing and rely on the movement of humans or animals to disperse their seeds. It’s important to check your clothes, gear, and pets and remove any insects, mud, or plant material before going to a new site. Remember to clean your boots and tire treads too! Seeds can easily get stuck in treads and then be unintentionally transported to a new site.
Learn more at: https://nsinvasives.ca/play-clean-go/

JOUEZ, NETTOYEZ, PARTEZ!

Les espèces envahissantes sont une menace considérable pour la biodiversité et les espèces en péril!

Quelle que soit votre aventure, il est toujours important de respecter le principe « Jouez Nettoyez Partez » afin d’éviter la propagation des espèces envahissantes. Plusieurs espèces de plantes envahissantes ont des fruits spécialisés qui s’accrochent aux cheveux/poils ou aux vêtements et dépendent du mouvement des humains ou des animaux pour disperser leurs graines. Il est important de vérifier vos vêtements, votre équipement et vos animaux de compagnie et d’enlever tout insecte, boue ou matière végétale avant de vous rendre sur un nouveau site. N’oubliez pas non plus de nettoyer vos bottes et les bandes de roulement de vos pneus! Les graines peuvent facilement se loger dans les bandes de roulement et être transportées involontairement vers un nouveau site.

Pour en savoir plus : https://nsinvasives.ca/play-clean-go/

It's that time of year that anglers have been wait

It's that time of year that anglers have been waiting for. The 2024 fishing season! NSISC is sending best wishes for a successful fishing season, whether you are a seasoned fisher or just beginning! To help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, please remember to practice Clean Drain Dry protocols with your watercraft, equipment, and gear!
🎣Clean – Remove plants, animals, and mud from your boat and gear on dry land.
💦Drain – Remove all water from your boat, gear, and other equipment on dry land.
Don’t forget to pull any plugs!
🧽Dry – Thoroughly dry your equipment and all areas of your boat.

By practicing Clean Drain Dry, you are helping to protect our natural waterways against the spread of aquatic invasive species!
#preventthespread #InvasiveSpecies #nsinvasives #InvasiveSpeciesAwareness #aquaticinvasivespecies #CleanDrainDry

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: A small but deadly invasiv

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: A small but deadly invasive species!

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is an aphid-like pest that attacks and kills Hemlock trees. Eastern Hemlock trees are keystone species, and once removed alter the fundamentals of the ecosystem. The loss of Hemlocks caused by HWA threatens Species at Risk such as NS Mainland Moose by depriving them of important habitat.

HWA was first observed in Southwestern NS in 2017 and is slowly expanding through the province. Help reduce the spread by remembering #PlayCleanGo and avoid moving firewood or wood scraps over long distances. #BuyLocalBurnLocal
Early detection of HWA is critical to protecting Nova Scotia’s forests and environment. Be vigilant, keep an eye out for what looks like cotton balls at the base of Hemlock tree needles! Report sightings to CFIA at the following link: https://bit.ly/3SiSwI5
Or report it to NSISC at our website: https://nsinvasives.ca/
Learn more at: https://nsinvasives.ca/hemlock-woolly-adelgid/

Le puceron lanigère de la pruche : Une espèce envahissante petite mais mortelle!

Le puceron lanigère de la pruche (PLP) est un ravageur ressemblant à un puceron qui attaque et tue les pruches. Les pruches sont des espèces clés qui, une fois disparues, modifient les éléments fondamentaux de l’écosystème. La disparition des pruches causée par le PLP menace les espèces en péril, comme l’orignal continental de la N.-É.

PLP a été observé pour la première fois dans le sud-ouest de la Nouvelle-Écosse en 2017 et s’étend à travers la province. Aidez à réduire la propagation en vous rappelant de #NettoyezJouezPartez et en évitant de déplacer du bois de chauffage ou des déchets de bois sur de longues distances. #AchetezLocalBrûlezLocal

La détection précoce de la PLP est essentielle pour protéger les forêts et l’environnement de la Nouvelle-Écosse. Soyez vigilants, gardez l’œil ouvert pour ce qui ressemble à des boules de coton à la base des aiguilles de la pruche! Signalez les observations à l’ACIA en cliquant sur le lien suivant : https://bit.ly/3SiSwI5
Ou signalez-les au NSISC sur notre site web : https://nsinvasives.ca/
Pour en savoir plus : https://nsinvasives.ca/hemlock-woolly-adelgid/

🦞The Marbled Crayfish, also known as Marmorkreb

🦞The Marbled Crayfish, also known as Marmorkrebs, is a freshwater crustacean, growing between 3cm to 13cm in size. It has narrow claw-like pinchers, and its coloration is typically dark brown/tan or brown/green, adorned with a distinctive marble pattern.
This species is not native to any area as it originated from captive breeding. It is widely traded in the international pet/aquarium industry. Being a parthenogenic species, it is composed entirely of females. The eggs of this species do not require fertilization, making it capable of rapid generation. In an aquarium, they can reproduce quickly and become out of control, making them difficult to care for.
If released into freshwater environments, the Marbled Crayfish can outcompete small native aquatic species. Given its generalist diet, it may overconsume aquatic vegetation and other organisms, thus disrupting food webs. Moreover, its burrowing habits may destabilize shorelines and riverbanks.
❗️One of the best practices to prevent the introduction of Marbled crayfish, and other species, into natural areas is to refrain from releasing pets, aquarium plants and live bait into our waterways.
❗️Releasing any plant or animal can damage our landscapes and waterways, spread disease, cause a loss of native species and biodiversity, and eventually reduce recreational opportunities in our favourite spots!

For more information on responsible practices for pet/aquarium owners, and anglers, visit our website at https://nsinvasives.ca/dont-let-it-loose/

#DontLetItLoose #preventthespread #InvasiveSpeciesAwareness #DLIL #nsinvasives #InvasiveSpecies #aquaticinvasivespecies

Himalayan Blackberry: A new thorny invasive plant

Himalayan Blackberry: A new thorny invasive plant in the province!

This massive blackberry produces canes up to 12 m in length and threatens biodiversity and Species at Risk. It easily outcompetes low-growing native vegetation and forms dense thickets that limit the movement of animals. In addition, they greatly impede recreational activities by preventing access to the area.

The Himalayan Blackberry is distinguishable from native blackberry species by its large arching canes that root at the tip, pink flowers, and silverish leaf underside that is caused by dense hairs. This invasive blackberry will also hold onto its leaves much longer into the winter months than native blackberry species.

If you think Himalayan Blackberry may be in your area, it's important to report sightings directly to the NSISC on our website. Please include photos showing the flowers, the underside of leaves, and the large arching canes.

Report observations to NSISC: https://nsinvasives.ca/
To learn more visit: https://nsinvasives.ca/himalayan-blackberry/

Ronce discolore : Une nouvelle plante épineuse envahissante dans la province!

Cette mûre massive produit des cannes pouvant atteindre 12m de long et menace la biodiversité et les espèces en péril. Elle supplante facilement la végétation indigène à faible croissance et forme des broussailles denses qui limitent les déplacements des animaux. En plus, elles empêchent les activités en empêchent l’accès à la zone.

La ronce discolore se distingue des espèces de mûres indigènes par ses grandes cannes arquées qui prennent racine à leurs extrémités, ses fleurs roses et le dessous argenté de ses feuilles, causé par des poils denses. Cette mûre envahissante conserve ses feuilles beaucoup plus longtemps en hiver que les espèces de mûres indigènes.

Si vous pensez que la ronce discolore est présente dans votre région, il est important de signaler les observations directement au NSISC sur notre site web. Veuillez inclure des photos montrant les fleurs, le dessous des feuilles et les grandes cannes arquées.

Signalez vos observations au NSISC : https://nsinvasives.ca/

Pour en savoir plus, visitez : https://nsinvasives.ca/himalayan-blackberry/

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In the News 2022 – 2021

August 28, 2022 – CBC Article

Thorny problem: invasive Himalayan blackberry plant found in Yarmouth

April 6, 2021 – Global News Article

‘Bizarre’ invasive jumping worm squirms its way into N.S. for the first time

March 11, 2021 – Global News Article

Maritime aquarium owners warned to watch for invasive mussels in decorative plant

February 15, 2021 – Blomidon Naturalists Society

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