National Invasive Species Awareness Week

National Invasive Species Awareness Week is February 24-28 and is an international event hosted by NAISMA (North American Invasive Species Management Assoc.) to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat they post and what can be done to prevent their spread.

Here in Maryland there are several invasive plants, pests and diseases that threaten the resilience of Maryland’s forests, waterways, ecosystems and agricultural products including but not limited to: Emerald Ash Borer, Spotted Lanternflies, Pine Shoot Beetle, Beech Leaf Disease, Blue Catfish, English Sparrows, Kudzu, Zebra Mussels, Brown Marmorated Stink Bug and more!

To learn more about invasive plant pests please visit the MDA’s emerging invasive plant pests

To learn more about threats to forestry visit the MDNR Forest Service

To learn more about invasive animals visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources