OFT’s Farmland Conservation Specialist, Joel Enman, recently attended several sessions of the 2024 Invasive Species Forum, which provided presentations on invasive species in Ontario.
This forum is held annually by the Invasive Species Centre which is a not-for-profit organization that aims to prevent the introduction and spread of high-risk invasive species in Canada by connecting stakeholders with knowledge and technology. The forum included speakers from across Canada and neighboring U.S States to discuss advances in invasive species monitoring, prevention and management.
Topics included research advances in monitoring for invasive species using eDNA, satellite imagery, AI, and new technology for testing for invasive species presence. The forum also covered updated research on the spread of pests and invasive plants which have negatively affected Canadian ecosystems, including Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Long-Horned Beetle, Water Soldier, Elm Zigzag Sawfly, Dog Strangling Vine and others.
The forum also discussed a newly introduced invasive species into Ontario, known as Oak Wilt (Bretzielle fagacearum) which was first found in Ontario in 2023. Read more about this fungus below!
Joel has shared that he learned so much from attending these sessions and would like to thank all the speakers who shared their lessons learned, research, and experience managing these species!
Source : Ontario Farmland Trust