Reporting invasive species

Early detection is critical to stopping the spread of invasive species. You can help detect and locate new infestations of invasive species, particularly those capable of significant environmental or economic harm.

If you see a plant that looks ‘out of place’ or an insect you don’t recognize and have concerns about, we encourage you to report it. Invasive species tend to pop up in areas that we frequent – like dog walking trails and local parks, or along roadsides and in ditches. Basically anywhere we go invasive species might come too, so taking extra precautions and reporting what you see are great ways to help. 

Thank you for taking action by reporting invasive species! 

Reporting with EDDMapS

The PEI Invasive Species Council uses the EDDMapS (Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System) to record invasive species observations and map the distribution of invasives across the island. 

EDDMapS, or Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System, is a digital tool used to report and track invasive species across Canada and the US. It offers a fast and simple way to map invasive species without any technical or GIS expertise. 

Users can download the EDDMapS app for Android and Apple devices and simply snap a photo to report an invasive species on the spot. Alternatively, users can report observations using the EDDMapS website at https://www.eddmaps.org/report/

Learn more about EDDMapS at https://www.eddmaps.org/.

What happens when you report an invasive species using EDDMapS

All invasive species reported using EDDMapS are verified by a member of the PEI Invasive Species Council before being uploaded. Verification is important to ensure we have an accurate understanding of the occurrence and distribution of invasives across the island.

The verification process can take a number of weeks depending on the detail in photographs and the species. Observations noted without pictures may not be verified but will be noted for confirmation by council members if possible.

If you have made an observation of a priority species please email the Invasive Species Council to flag this observation (peiinvasives@gmail.com). Priority species include:

• Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolate)
• Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
• Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)
• Oriental bittersweet (Cilantros orbiculatus)
• Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)
• Dog strangling vine (Vincetoxicum nigrum)

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Reporting with iNaturalists

Invasive species observations reported using the iNaturalist app that are verified are uploaded into the PEI EDDMapS database. We recommend using EDDMapS but recognize that many users have been using this app for many years and appreciate every record of every invasive species.