This fall and winter keep an eye out for bittersweet and porcelain berry which are easily identified by their distinctive berries that appear this time of year. These invasive woody vines grow over understory vegetation and strangle trees. Check out this Protector’s blog to learn to recognize these invasive plants and steps you can take now to get a head start on controlling them before the next growing season.

Specialized relationships between plants and insects are vital to the lifecycle of many pollinators. Invasive plants can easily overtake pollinator habitats. You can help by planting pollinator host plants and by removing invasive plants on your property. Learn more in this Protector’s Blog!

Attention travelers, spotted lanternfly (SLF) can easily hitchhike on your vehicles. Be sure to check the grill and wheel wells of your vehicle for SLF adults and eggs while doing end of season traveling.

While you’re enjoying the outdoors in your own backyard or on your favorite trail, keep an eye out for noxious invasive plants that could really hinder your outdoor experience!

Did you know that you can spread invasive species by boating, taking a hike, gardening, moving firewood, and many other activities you may enjoy? Learn about invasive species introduction pathways and actions you can take to prevent their spread.

Help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species by visiting a watercraft inspection steward this summer!

Vernal pools provide essential habitats for the lifecycle of amphibians and provide important food sources for wildlife. Invasive plants can lower ground table water levels making conditions too dry for vernal pools to develop altering these sensitive habitats and making them unsuitable for dependant wildlife. 

Learn of invasive species educational resources and activites you can enjoy with your family or students!

The spotted lanternfly and spongy moth are two invasive insects that lay eggs on trees and other flat surfaces. Fall and winter are ideal times to check your trees and backyard for egg masses that could be from these pests. Removing egg masses helps to suppress new populations of these invasive species that would otherwise hatch in the spring.

Spotted lanternfly lay their eggs in the fall. Keep an eye out for adults until cold weather and for egg masses now through the winter. Learn what to look for and what to do if you find SLF in this Protector’s blog.