PEIISC Newsletter – 2023 Field Season
Posted on November 3, 2023
Greetings! The PEIISC's latest newsletter is here. Let's take a look back through a productive field season of invasive species outreach, surveying, management, and more. …
Blog & News
P.E.I. Invasive Species Council launches online reporting system
Posted on December 29, 2021
There's a new way to report invasive species sightings on P.E.I., and it's entirely online. In late November, the P.E.I. Invasive Species Council launched its new reporting system: an online mapping system called EDDMapS.…
P.E.I Invasive Species Council says no zebra mussels detected in Island waters
Posted on December 15, 2021
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — A preventative initiative from the P.E.I. Invasive Species Council has helped keep the invasive zebra mussel away from P.E.I. waters. …
Why garlic mustard isn’t a plant you want in your garden bed
Posted on November 12, 2021
The P.E.I. Invasive Species Council wants people to be on the lookout for an invasive plant called garlic mustard after removing a dozen bags of it from a yard in Stratford. …
How this invasive vine species is threatening P.E.I. trees
Posted on August 20, 2021
The Prince Edward Island Invasive Species Council wants Islanders to keep an eye out for an invasive plant that has started to take over patches of forest in eastern P.E.I. The …
Most of giant hogweed in Vernon River removed
Posted on August 18, 2021
A major outbreak of giant hogweed in Vernon River has been mostly removed after several weeks of work by the Pisquid River Enhancement Project, the Hillsborough River Association and the PEI Invasive Species Council. …
3 outbreaks of noxious giant hogweed on P.E.I.
Posted on August 5, 2021
Three outbreaks of a noxious, invasive plant called giant hogweed are growing in areas across Prince Edward Island. The P.E.I. Invasive Species Council is working to cut down th…
Firewood drop-off boxes added at P.E.I. entrances to stop spread of invasive species
Posted on July 12, 2021
People arriving to P.E.I. with firewood from outside the province will have two new options to safely dispose of it to help keep invasive species from the Island. A secure …
Leaf-mining weevil killing P.E.I. beech trees
Posted on June 17, 2021
Several beech trees on Prince Edward are showing signs of an invasive species called the beech leaf-mining weevil. These weevils consume the leaves of beech trees, which can dis…
How gardeners with invasive goutweed are supporting each other
Posted on May 23, 2021
Admittedly, it's a first-world problem, but the struggle is real. The Goutweed Support Group on Facebook is proof that the invasive plant goutweed is affecting gardeners negativ…
Sign campaign launching on P.E.I. aims to limit spread of invasive species
Posted on March 13, 2021
Signs will be installed near freshwater areas on P.E.I. as part of two new initiatives by the P.E.I. Invasive Species Council. One campaign urges boaters to take precautions bet…
P.E.I. potato growers have new pesticide to fight wireworm
Posted on March 4, 2021
P.E.I. potato growers now have a new pesticide to use to help fight a costly pest called wireworm. In October 2020, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency approved the registrati…
PEIISC Newsletter – 2023 Field Season
Posted on November 3, 2023
Greetings! The PEIISC's latest newsletter is here. Let's take a look back through a productive field season of invasive species outreach, surveying, management, and more. …
Guarding Prince Edward Island’s Forests: Don’t Move Firewood
Posted on October 24, 2023
For Immediate Release. Invasive species are a looming threat to the PEI forest according to The PEI Invasive Species Council and the PEI Woodlot Ow…
VICTORIA PARK GUIDED INVASIVE SPECIES WALK BROCHURE
Posted on October 13, 2023
Download the file and view it on your mobile device or print it out to follow along with our invasive species walk through Charlottetown’s Victoria Park! …
Predator Satiation in Black Ash
Posted on May 24, 2023
I’m sure you’ve all heard the old adage “keep your friends close… and your enemies closer.” This is something that certain prey species truly live by!PREDATOR SATIATION is a survival strategy wherein a prey speci…
Japanese Knotweed Photo Guide & Video Demonstration
Posted on March 31, 2023
Have you managed Japanese knotweed? Have you been effective in your efforts? Japanese knotweed, Fallopia japonica…
We are Hiring a Coordinator!
Posted on February 24, 2023
The PEI Invasive Species Council is looking for a coordinator! If you are interested in conservation, protecting our island ecosystems, and invasive species, this may be the job…
PEIISC Fall-Winter Newsletter 2022-3, (Issue 3)
Posted on February 9, 2023
Welcome to the third issue of the PEIISC newsletter! We've accomplished a great deal since our last update. Featured projects include the creation of an invasive plant species …
PEIISC Summer Newsletter 2022 (Issue 2)
Posted on August 17, 2022
Welcome to the second issue of the PEIISC Newsletter! In this issue we detail the variety species we worked on this summer, discuss some of the management projects we undertook and highlight a disease to look out for that affects …
What’s in Bloom? Purple Loosestrife (July – September)
Posted on August 16, 2022
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) was first reported in North America in the early 1800s. Since the initial introductions this plant is often shared by gardeners or spread in waterways. It is a wetland perennial that…
What’s in Bloom? Himalayan Balsam (June – October)
Posted on August 8, 2022
Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), originally from Western Himalayas, was introduced to Canada in the early 1900 as an ornamental garden flower. It is now considered an invasive species and can be seen along Princ…
What’s in Bloom? Queen Anne’s Lace (July – September)
Posted on August 3, 2022
Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota) is a biennial perennial herb of the Apiaceae family which produces a rosette of leaves in the first year of growth and in the second year dies after flowering and setting seed. Queen An…
Benthic Mats – Yellow Flag Iris Control
Posted on August 1, 2022
Have you heard of using a benthic mat to control aquatic weeds? …
What is in Bloom? Woodland Angelica (June – August)
Posted on July 29, 2022
Woodland Angelica (Angelica sylvestris) is a priority invasive species on PEI. You can most commonly find it along roadways in moist ditches or fields. It is a robust plant that can grow in full shade or full sunlight.…
What is in Bloom? Common Valerian (June – July)
Posted on July 22, 2022
Have you spotted the Common Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) growing on PEI recently? This invasive plant is in full bloom in June and July in our region. Valeri…
PEIISC Spring Newsletter 2022 (Issue 1)
Posted on April 5, 2022
Welcome to the first issue of the PEIISC Newsletter! In this issue we announce a contest to name our newsletter, discuss our initiatives over this last year and highlight exciting things in store for this season. Also, check out p…
Invasive Plant Species Impacts on Wildlife on PEI
Posted on March 14, 2022
By Simon Wilmot Invasive plant species are among the leading threats to native wildlife and species-at-risk on PEI, displacing native species, reducing local biodiversi…
What is an invasive species?
Posted on July 17, 2021
An invasive species is any species that is not native to an area, has a tendency to spread, and threatens the environmental, economic or social health of that area. Native species have natural mechanisms t…
Pathways for invasive species
Posted on July 17, 2021
An invasive species is any organism (plant, animal, insect, disease, etc.) that has been introduced to an area outside of its native range, has a tendency to spread, and threatens the environmental, economic or …
Get involved – How you can help
Posted on July 17, 2021
There are lots of ways to get involved in invasive species control and prevention, from taking simple steps at home or in the outdoors to joining our Spotter’s Network! Here’s how you can help: …
Species identification guide
Posted on July 17, 2021
Positively identifying invasive species can be difficult. Here are a few tips to consider when trying to ID a plant or insect. Plants …
PEIISC 3rd Annual Workshop – March 16, 2018 (archive)
Posted on March 9, 2018
The PEIISC is hosting its 3rd annual workshop on Friday, March 16 from 1-4 at the Farm Centre on University Avenue. Everyone from all walks of life, sectors and parts of the Island are encouraged to attend! The meeting will include an education…
2017 PEIISC Annual Meeting (archive)
Posted on March 9, 2017
The 2017 PEIISC Annual Meeting is coming up on March 24th! We will have a full list of speakers and educational booths available shortly.Attached images:…
Creeping Bellflower (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
This weekly Wednesday post is from PEIISC member and Stewardship Coordinator at Island Nature Trust, Julie-Lynn Zahavich. This week, Julie-Lynn will share her experience with a common horticultural invasive, Creeping Bellflower. Creeping Bell…
Valuing Our Urban Forests (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
This week's post is by Beth Hoar, Chair of PEIISC and Parkland Conservationist for the City of Charlottetown. There are many reasons to value our urban forests. They provide economic, social and environmental benefits such as filtering pollutan…
An Update on the Spiders of PEI Project (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
This week, Rosemary Curley, Biologist, President of Nature PEI and member of PEIISC, brings you some news on the Spiders of PEI project! The numbers of exotic spiders are now tabulated for Prince Edward Island. Fully 19 of 197 known species h…
Scotch Pine in PEI National Park (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
This week's post is from Linda Thomas, Resource Management Officer, PEI National Parks and PEI Invasvie Species Council member. Welcome to the fall season, we have had a busy summer with invasive species in PEI National Park and have started to…
A Focus on Native Species (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
From Julie-Lynn Zahavich, Stewardship Coordinator at Island Nature Trust: Every summer, staff from Island Nature Trust work to control a persistent population of purple loosestrife at Deroche Pond. Deroche Pond is a large pond that lies behin…
Look Out for Japanese Beetles (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
This weeks Facebook post is by Beth Hoar, Chair of PEIISC and City of Charlottetown's Parkland Conservationist Have you been seeing a lot more of these guys this year???? It's the beautiful but notorious Japanese beetle! We cert…
The Spread of Wild Cucumber in PEI (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
This weeks post and photos are from Rosemary Curley, PEIISC Council Member. Wild cucumber is spreading rapidly in cental Prince Edward Island, probably under the influence of warmer weather. Trees and shrubs that are blanketed by wild c…
Asian Gypsy Moth (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
Todays post is by Jennifer Cameron, PEIISC Council member and Regional Plant Protection Officer, Canadian Food Inspection Agency / Government of Canada Asian Gypsy Moth The European strain of Gypsy Moth has become established in man…
A Curiously Shady Character: Bittersweet Nightshade (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
A Curiously Shady Character: Bittersweet Nightshade An ominous name to begin with, this perennial vine is seen throughout Prince Edward Island. This little beast has a number of names, including climbing nightshade, and thrives in a wide vari…
The Wrong Kind of Gardening Legacy (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
The Wrong Kind of Gardening Legacy Late in July this year, PEI Invasive Species Council member Megan Harris got a call from one of her neighbours in St. Catherine's. He was convinced he had a rogue giant hogweed plant growing along the edge of …
European Pine Shoot Moth (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
European Pine Shoot Moth Rhyacionia buoliana Article by David Carmichael,P.E.I. Department of Communities, Land and Environment and PEIISC Council member Background information: This pest was first recorded in New York S…
White Sweet Clover (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
This week's post is from Linda Thomas, Resource Management Officer at PEI National Park. Summer seems to be flying by, we are concentrating on managing our five targeted invasive plant species here in PEI National Park. We have finished with ga…
Top 10 Invasive and Horticultural Plants Across Canada (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
This weeks post is from Council member, Karen Samis, Assistant Professor, UPEI Biology Department This week, I thought we could focus on the Top 10 Invasive and Horticultural Plants Across Canada. Although I love to see diversity in a garden as…
Buyer Beware – Norway Maples (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
Post by PEIISC Member and Kensingto…
Campers… and invasive hitchhikers! (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
Campers... and invasive hitchhikers! Post by PEIISC Council member Jennifer Cameron With the warmer (?) weather everyone wants to be outside, and for many people that includes loading up the vehicles to go camping. But many invasive p…
Spring is here! (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
Tis the Season! It's the most wonderful time of the year...gardening season! With it comes beautiful flower beds, gardens and baskets, but it also means learning to identify invasive species when purchasing your lovely greenery and flowers. The…
Seed Bombs (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
Seed Bombs - Post by Beth Hoar, PEIISC "A seed bomb is a little ball made up of a combination of compost, clay and seeds." The seed bombs are then dropped in places that need to be re-vegetated or beautified. Historically, seed bombs have been around si…
Spring Creep (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2016
Our weekly Wednesday post is from council member, Kelley Farrar (Arnold), watershed coordinator for the Stratford Area Watershed Group. This week's topic: "Spring Creep"! Once this polar vortex is out of our way, spring will (hopefully!…
Tree Insects & Diseases: PEI (archive)
Posted on April 6, 2016
PEIISC member, David Carmichael, has been working on another Facebook page (Tree Insects & Diseases: PEI) …
Spring Creep (archive)
Posted on April 6, 2016
Our weekly Wednesday post is from council member, Kelley Farrar (Arnold), watershed coordinator for the Stratford Area Watershed Group. This week's topic: "Spring Creep"! Once this polar vortex is out of our way, spring will (hopefully!…
Invasive species need to be at the 'top of the radar' (archive)
Posted on March 24, 2016
The Guardian By Chris Gregory Beth Hoar wants Island environmentalists to have one thing, and that is awareness of invasive species.The chair of P.E.I.'s Invasive Species Council, says it is time to get the issue on people's radars,…
European Larch Canker (archive)
Posted on March 24, 2016
This weekly Wednesday post is from council member, David Carmichael. David is a Landscape Technician with PEI's Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Today's topic is European larch canker. European larch canker, caused by the fungus Lachne…
Invasive species in P.E.I. originate in gardens: council chair (archive)
Posted on March 18, 2016
Periwinkle and goutweed are both invasive species often found in gardens What you plant in your garden could easily become an invasive plant in the wild, P.E.I.'s Invasive Species Council is warning. The council held its first annual …
DUC Conservator: Fighting the Mighty Phragmites (archive)
Posted on March 16, 2016
Jana, our Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) representative, sent along this story today from Conservator, DUC's magazine. The article is from Ontario but there are known populations of phragmites on PEI too. LINK: http://www.conservator.ca/2015/10…
Buyer Beware! Plant Me Instead (archive)
Posted on March 10, 2016
This Wednesday we hear from PEIISC Chair and gardener, Beth Hoar. I am an avid gardener. I love plants (especially ferns) and plant a mix of native and non-native species. My favorite activity is spending time in my yard, both worki…
Issue 2 of Spotter's Network Newsletter Now Online (archive)
Posted on March 2, 2016
Issue 2 of the Spotter's Network Newsletter is now available online! To read the latest issue, click here. Attached images:…
Hello Spring, Hello Invasive Species! (archive)
Posted on February 22, 2016
With the recent warm weather, many Islanders are starting to think about spring. With spring comes new growth of grass, leaves, flowers, and invasive species! So, while spring is on the brain, we thought we would take this opportunity to remind everyon…
What's happening to your lilies? (archive)
Posted on February 10, 2016
This summer, if you see damage to the leaves, buds and flowers of your lilies, you may have an infestation of lily leaf beetles. The lily leaf beetle loves to feed on Lilium sp. (true lilies: Turk's cap, Tiger,…
Improving Our Knowledge of Island Spiders (archive)
Posted on February 4, 2016
This week, we hear from retired wildlife biologist and President of Nature PEI, Rosemary Curley, on a project she worked on in 2015 to improve our knowledge of Island spiders. From the Nature PEI website, "…
Round Table Discussion with Island Watershed Groups A Success! (archive)
Posted on January 29, 2016
January 29, 2016: Thank you to all of the Island watershed group coordinators and representatives that attended our round table discussion this morning! It was fantastic to meet, share ideas, and discuss how we can move forward together on tack…
PEI Invasive Species Council calls on watershed groups for input (archive)
Posted on January 27, 2016
Watershed organizations are a 'logical group to reach out to,' says invasive species council The province's watershed groups will come together Friday to discuss the challenges they face when working with invasive species. Hosted by t…
PEI Invasive Species Council calls on watershed groups for input (archive)
Posted on January 27, 2016
Watershed organizations are a 'logical group to reach out to,' says invasive species council The province's watershed groups will come together Friday to discuss …
WOOD PACKAGING – A PATHWAY FOR INVASION (archive)
Posted on January 27, 2016
Today, PEIISC member and Plant Protection Program Officer with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Jennifer Cameron, fills us in on a major pathway for invasive species - wood packaging material. WOOD PACKAGING - A PATHWAY FOR INVASION…
Spotlight on an Invader: Woodland Angelica (Angelica sylvestris) (archive)
Posted on January 20, 2016
If you spend any time in Southeastern PEI during the summer you are likely very familiar with woodland angelica (Angelica sylvestris). This robust plant grows in large swathes, entirely filling dit…
The Balsam Woolly Adelgid (Adelges piceae) (archive)
Posted on January 6, 2016
Today we hear from David Carmichael, PEIISC member and Horticulturist with the provincial government, on the Balsam Woolly Adelgid (Adelges piceae). INTRODUCTION The balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae) (BWA) is a tiny, soft-bodied in…
2015 Phragmites Surveys (archive)
Posted on December 31, 2015
This week, we hear from retired wildlife biologist, Rosemary Curley, on her work with common reed grass. Common reed grass (Phragmites australis ssp. australis) is an invasive perennial grass that is native to Eurasia. It is not known for cer…
Happy Holidays… Invasive Species Style! (archive)
Posted on December 24, 2015
Michigan State University brings us The Twelve Days of Christmas - aquatic invasive species awareness! At…
The Story of an Elm Tree (archive)
Posted on December 16, 2015
THE STORY OF AN ELM TREE Early in December, a big old American elm tree came down in front of the Agriculture Canada building on University Ave. It was one of over 350 elms that the City of Charlottetown is removing in an attempt to protect the…
PEI Envirothon 2015 Recap (archive)
Posted on December 10, 2015
This week we hear from our Parks Canada representative, Linda Thomas: It is mid-December and while most of the invasive species are in winter mode, it is important not to let their presence fade too far away in our minds. I would like to take t…
Eating Invasives Part 2 (archive)
Posted on December 8, 2015
While we are all thinking about how to cook our winter vegetables and swapping cookie recipes with family and friends, I thought it was time to rekindle our creativity in how to tackle invasive species. Here are a few resources and recipes you may want…
Eating Invasives (archive)
Posted on November 25, 2015
"What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered." - Ralph Waldo Emerson Invasive plants can be found across PEI. Some occur in small patches, others are widespread. Some we have welcomed (e.g. lupins…
American Beech and Beech Bark Disease (archive)
Posted on November 23, 2015
American Beech, Fagus grandifolia Among deciduous trees there is nothing quite as majestic or as graceful as the beech. ~ Donald Wyman, Horticulturist A native tree of PEI... produces edible nuts great for firewoo…
The PEIISC Helping with 2015 PEI Envirothon Competition! (archive)
Posted on October 28, 2015
This fall, the PEIISC has been helping the Provincial Forests, Fish and Wildlife division prepare for the 2015 Envirothon competition! Envirothon is an international environmental education competition for high school students. Through the comp…
What's eating your snowball bush? … or who? (archive)
Posted on October 22, 2015
Like many Islanders... you might have a snowball bush in your backyard. Have you noticed lots of holes in its leaves? You likely have an infestation of the viburnum leaf beetle (VLB)! This small beetle is native to Europe and Asia and w…
Be Careful Where You Put That! (archive)
Posted on October 14, 2015
Invasive plants are plant species that can be harmful when introduced into new areas. These species can invade agricultural and natural areas, causing serious damage to Canada's economy and environment. There are over 480 invasive plant species know…
Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense): A Closer Look at a Common Invasive (archive)
Posted on October 8, 2015
Canada thistle is a non-native (despite the English name) perennial weed that originates in Europe. It has sharply-barbed, deeply lobed, spear-like leaves. The flower is a purple pom-pom shape in clusters at the top of the plant (photo). When the seeds…
Invasive Species Key Cards (archive)
Posted on October 2, 2015
We have new invasive species identification cards! These are part of our Spotter's Network resource kits and are given out to each volunteer spotter. If you would like to be a spotter, let us know and we can add you name to our ever growing list of vol…
Gail Wallin visits with the PEIISC (archive)
Posted on September 30, 2015
Gail Wallin, the Executive Director of the Invasive Species Council of BC and the Co-chair of the Canadian Council on Invasive Species was on PEI this week and took some time to meet with the PEI Invasive Species council to discuss invasive species iss…
Invasive Species in the News on PEI! (archive)
Posted on September 16, 2015
Invasive species were in the news again this week. This time council member, Julie-Lynn Zahavich, teamed up with Stratford Area Watershed Improvement Group Coordinator, Kelley Arnold, to discuss the two groups' approaches to monitoring invasives on PEI…
Managing Invasive Species in PEI National Park (archive)
Posted on September 15, 2015
Each year in PEI National Park students are hired to assist with the ecological integrity monitoring. The first thing on the summer schedule is invasive species management; specifically garlic mustard which is really hard work and somewhat discouraging…
Invasive species can threaten P.E.I. economy (archive)
Posted on September 14, 2015
Invasive species can threaten P.E.I. economy (The Guardian) Maureen Coulter Published on Se…
The Tale of the Cane Toad (archive)
Posted on September 9, 2015
This week Karen Samis, Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at UPEI, shares a fascinating story that shows the plasticity of invasives and the organisms that are affected by their introduction. This is not a new story (nor a PEI one), …
The European Starling, a love hate relationship (archive)
Posted on September 2, 2015
This week we look at an avian invasive species, the European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). It seems people either love European starlings or hate them. They are admittedly beautiful birds. In the spring their feathers are sleek, black, with a pu…
Revisiting wild cucumber, (Echinocystis lobata)…. (archive)
Posted on August 26, 2015
Although we posted about wild cucumber earlier, I thought is would be a good time to post again as it is in full bloom and really visible at this time of year. I have been seeing a lot of wild cucumber in my travels. A few areas that stand out …
High hopes for fishing of invasive green crabs (archive)
Posted on August 13, 2015
High hopes for fishing of invasive green crabs Invasive species could become lucrative commercial fishery …
New regulations for Kudzu – a species not in PEI…. yet! (archive)
Posted on August 12, 2015
Kudzu has just recently been added to the list of officially regulated pest plants for Canada! This means it may not be imported except under strict conditions for research purposes. Kudzu is an extremely invasive vine in the legume family. It …
Volunteer Spotters contributing to what we know about invasives on PEI! (archive)
Posted on August 5, 2015
Since our first Spotter's Network training session in July, we have received an increased number of invasive species reports. We are learning that some of the species that we believed were quite rare are actually more common than we thought. On…
A BITTERSWEET TALE (archive)
Posted on July 29, 2015
Here in beautiful Invasive Acres I have only to look around me to find abundant material for this column. I was going to provide an update on my struggle with the buckthorns, but as that would be rather depressing I decided to change the subject. …
Invasive species spotter program hopes to spot and stop problem plants (archive)
Posted on July 23, 2015
Workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Farm Centre today CBC News Posted: Jul 23, 2…
Our first Spotters Network training workshop! (archive)
Posted on July 23, 2015
We hosted our very first Spotter's Network Training Workshop this morning in Charlottetown. The turnout was excellent - beyond what we expected, which is great! Those who attended learned how to photograph potential invaders, how to identify priority s…
Don’t Move Firewood (archive)
Posted on June 18, 2015
Invasive Insect and Disease pests in your firewood can destroy our forests, trees along our streets, parks, businesses and potentially your yard! Purchase firewood locally, burn it on site and leave left over firewood behind! To minimize the …
It's that time of year! Be sure to clean your boat! (archive)
Posted on June 15, 2015
Now that the weather is improving, it's time to get out and enjoy our beautiful PEI wetlands and waterways. Did you know that maintaining the hull of your boat and cleaning it regularly, can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species?…
A new field season, time to start looking for invasives! (archive)
Posted on May 27, 2015
At last the field season is in full swing in PEI National Park. Our students and I just spent the day picking garlic mustard in the rain at Cavendish Grove. Lots of fun! Soon we will be walking all the trails, campgrounds and other public areas looking…
Consider what you plant, Choose native species! (archive)
Posted on May 20, 2015
You may have noticed that many of the recent posts have been about invasive plants that started out in our yards or gardens. We bring them in, we plant them, or seeds migrate from a neighbour's garden. Many of the posts encourage you to make wise choic…
Virginia Creeper (archive)
Posted on May 13, 2015
This week's post is on Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), a climbing vine that is native in Ontario and parts of Quebec. It is not native to PEI and hence - because it will smother trees and shrubs reducing diversity and may harm brick wor…
Please dispose of invasive plant material correctly! (archive)
Posted on May 8, 2015
Jackie Waddell, Council member here. I came into town from the west on my usual commute the other day, and part of my drive was behind and then beside a pick up pulling a flatbed trailer. On that low, open trailer was a load of un-secured Japanese Knot…
The PEI Invasive Species Spotters Network (archive)
Posted on May 6, 2015
WHAT IS A SPOTTER'S NETWORK? A Spotter's Network is a network of organizations, professionals and volunteers that are trained in plant ID and submit observations of invasive species to a central database or location. Da…
Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) (archive)
Posted on April 30, 2015
Scotch broom is an invasive, evergreen shrub that was brought to North America as an ornamental garden plant. It escaped. Many of us love to garden... I do! And many of us grow some perennials that would be considered invasive. We often end up …
A ROSE IS A… (archive)
Posted on April 15, 2015
My property in Central Queen's has been not-so-affectionately but fairly appropriately nick-named Invasive Acres. And while I am not directly responsible for all the unwelcome species (like the glossy buckthorns), some of them are, well, my fault. …
What's hiding in your birdseed? (archive)
Posted on April 8, 2015
A lot of the bird seed that is used to feed wild and domestic birds is contaminated with weed seeds, and is one way that invasive plants can move around. Whether the bird seed is imported or a Canadian product, it could contain seeds of invasive plants…
Another forest insect pest that is found on PEI! (archive)
Posted on March 19, 2015
European or North American gypsy moth, (Lymantria dispar) Gypsy moth was introduced to Northeastern United States in the 1860's and has since spread to several provinces including PEI, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and …
Emerald Ash Borer, (Agrilus planipennis) – not found on PEI yet! (archive)
Posted on March 14, 2015
Characteristics: The emerald ash borer attacks and kills all species of ash, except mountain ash which is not a true ash. With artificial spread, where people move infested ash materials and firewood to new areas, this insect c…
An Update from Our DUC Rep (archive)
Posted on March 4, 2015
This Wednesday council member and Head of Habitat Retention and Planning at Ducks Unlimited Atlantic Canada, Jana…
Not here yet, but knocking on the door…? (archive)
Posted on February 25, 2015
Not here yet, but knocking on the door...? Can you imagine the response if you asked an Islander whether we were in need of another source of red water in our rivers and streams? There is an invasive aquatic species that could be just that. And…
Garlic Mustard Control in PEI National Park (archive)
Posted on February 18, 2015
The management and control of invasive plant species occupies a significant part of the PEI National Park Ecological Integrity Management & Protection program. Five plant species are targeted for annual detection surveys and management. Garlic must…
A CHANGING CITYSCAPE (archive)
Posted on January 28, 2015
An invasive species was making news last week in PEI after the City of Charlottetown announced that it would be removing over 300 elm trees (over half of the elms in the city) from its streetscape. The trees are being removed to prevent the further spr…
Wild Cucumber – Hedgehog Bladder! (archive)
Posted on January 21, 2015
Wild cucumber, (Echinocystis lobata) is this weeks "villain" ...also known as balsam apple, prickly cucumber, wild balsam apple, wild mock cucumber and lace pants, four seeded bur cucumber. It's genus name, derived from Greek words, means hedge…
BATTLING THE BUCKTHORNS: A PERSONAL JOURNEY (archive)
Posted on January 15, 2015
This week council member, Lynne Douglas, shares her personal experience with Glossy Buckthorn. If you have ever walked along the Confederation Trail in PEI you have probably encountered this invader. BATTLING THE BUCKTHORNS: A PERSONAL JOURNE…
Asian Longhorned Beetle (archive)
Posted on January 7, 2015
Even though the winter is now upon us, many of us still like to pull on some warmer clothes and get out in nature, whether it is a hike along a favorite trail or strolling the streets of the city or town. Next time you are out for a stroll, wherever it…
Pathway for Invasive Species: Garden Dumping (archive)
Posted on December 31, 2014
It's Wednesday - time for another weekly invasive species post! This week, to keep with our gardening theme, we'll discuss a major pathway for invasive species, garden dumping. Purple Loosestrife is the only invader that is regulated by governm…
Key word: Groundcover! (archive)
Posted on December 24, 2014
Growing groundcovers can be a challenge in an unexpected way! They are usually easy to grow and are intended to suppress the weeds in our gardens - that's why we like them. But... sometimes they grow a little too well and end up taking over - t…
More About the Japanese Beetle (archive)
Posted on December 19, 2014
We posted about the Japanese beetle back in August but thought, since it is such a cool beetle and since it might be heading your way sometime in the future... that you might be interested in a bit more information. Japanese Beetle, Popilla jap…
The Spotted Wing Drosophila (archive)
Posted on December 10, 2014
This weeks post is from Stephanie Compton, Agrologist with the Morell River Management Co-op. The Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) is an Asian vinegar fly, first discovered on the west coast of North America in 2010. By 2011 this tenacious little …
The PEIISC Working with Island Teachers (archive)
Posted on December 4, 2014
Yesterday several of our council members attended a workshop at UPEI. The workshop was focused on providing Island intermediate-high school teachers with the information and resources to incorporate the topic of invasive species into science curriculum…
PEIISC at Weeds Across Borders Meeting (archive)
Posted on December 3, 2014
This week's post is from Rosemary Curley. Rosemary was a Conservation Biologist with the PEI government for many years. She is a PEIISC member and also the PEIISC representative for the Canadian Council on Invasive Species (CCIS). Rosemary atte…
Oriental Bittersweet (archive)
Posted on November 26, 2014
This week's weekly Wednesday post is from council member, David Carmichael. David is a Landscape Technician with PEI's Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The images below are of Oriental Bittersweet (Celastris orbiculatis), which I came ac…
Thinking about moving firewood? Think again! (archive)
Posted on November 19, 2014
Have you ever gone camping and didn't use all your firewood at last night's camp-fire? You think, "I'll just bring it home and use it next time we go camping". STOP!! DON'T DO IT. A simple move such as this, could damage or destroy millions of trees. "…
The Risks of Not Having a Plan for Rainbow Trout (archive)
Posted on November 12, 2014
Another weekly post for you! This week, PEIISC member and West River Watershed Coordinator, Megan Harris, takes a look at the risks of not having a plan for Rainbow Trout. I talk to many avid anglers on the Island about getting rid of rainbow t…
You CAN Make A Difference! (archive)
Posted on November 5, 2014
This week, our PEI National Park representative offers some words of encouragement! Don't give up, you can make a difference.... Working with invasive plant species can often seem daunting. I wanted to share these photos as encouragemen…
Council Member Activities (archive)
Posted on October 29, 2014
This week, we thought we would highlight some of the work being done by our council members! Be sure to click on the links! PEI Invasive species experts, and members of the PEIISC are contributing at the national and regional level to managem…
All in the Family – Invasive Impatiens (archive)
Posted on October 22, 2014
This week's post is on two plants - in the same genus - Impatiens. Something less dramatic than Giant Hogweed, but certainly more widespread. Charlottetown especially is full of this pair - Small-flowered Impatiens, Impatiens parviflora (Small Balsam o…
Giant Hogweed – A Fearsome Invasive Plant! (archive)
Posted on October 15, 2014
I think this post is fitting since Halloween is just around the corner! One of the most fearsome invasive plants out there has got to be Giant Hogweed (Heracleum Mantegazzianum). It is indeed a giant, often standing 5 metres tall with an umbrel…
The Japanese Beetle (archive)
Posted on August 9, 2014
The Japanese beetle, native to Japan, attacks the foliage and fruit of more than 250 host plants including elm, maple, grape vine, peach, apple, apricot, cherry, plum, rose, zinnia, corn, asparagus, soybean, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. T…