BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//NAISMA - ECPv6.15.17//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:NAISMA
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://naisma.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for NAISMA
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20250309T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20251102T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20270314T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20271107T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20280312T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20281105T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260715T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260715T140000
DTSTAMP:20261007T093827
CREATED:20260312T173411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T173546Z
UID:138101-1784120400-1784124000@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Practical Approaches to Managing Amur Honeysuckle
DESCRIPTION:Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) is an invasive shrub native to eastern Asia that was widely planted for ornamental use and wildlife habitat. It is now established across much of the eastern and midwestern United States\, where it forms dense understory thickets that outcompete native plants\, reduce plant diversity\, and alter forest structure and ecosystem processes. \n\n\n\nJoin Kaleb Baker of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission for a practitioner focused webinar that translates recent research into practical\, on the ground management guidance for landowners and land managers. This session will cover how to identify Amur honeysuckle\, summarize its ecological impacts\, and explore management options and challenges faced in the field. \n\n\n\nDrawing from recent studies evaluating seasonal basal bark herbicide treatments\, prescribed fire\, and soil responses to herbicide applications\, this presentation will provide an overview of research objectives\, methods\, and results while highlighting how these findings can inform efficient\, targeted control strategies that align with broader land management responsibilities. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKaleb Baker\, Illinois Nature Preserves CommissionKaleb Baker is a Natural Areas Preservation Specialist with the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. He earned a Master of Science in Biological Sciences from Northern Illinois University\, where his research examined the effectiveness of triclopyr basal bark treatments and prescribed fire for controlling Amur honeysuckle. Since 2015\, Kaleb has worked in land stewardship\, focusing on invasive species management\, prescribed fire\, and restoration practices that support diverse and resilient native ecosystems. His work combines research and hands-on field experience to inform practical management strategies for invasive species.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-practical-approaches-to-managing-amur-honeysuckle/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/maywebinar.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T143000
DTSTAMP:20261007T093827
CREATED:20260302T134204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260803T170919Z
UID:138016-1787144400-1787149800@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Planning for the Unknown: Tools for Urban Forest Pest Preparedness
DESCRIPTION:Urban forests are on the front lines of invasive pest threats and climate uncertainty. This webinar features two practical tools that help communities assess risk\, strengthen preparedness\, and respond strategically to emerging forest pests. Representatives from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources will introduce the Urban Forest Pest Readiness Playbook\, a resource that guides towns\, cities\, counties\, and urban forestry programs through self assessments and recommended actions to close gaps between local managers and state and federal response partners. We will also explore Portland’s Tree Inventory Project and how comprehensive tree data supports proactive management. By measuring\, mapping\, and identifying public trees across the city\, Portland has strengthened its ability to plan for climate impacts and invasive species\, including using inventory data to inform its response planning for emerald ash borer. Join us to gain practical insights and learn about scalable tools that can help your community prepare for the next pest threat before it arrives. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis webinar has been approved for 1.5 hours of Category 1 Credit through the Society of American Foresters (SAF) Certified Forester Education (CFE) Program. To receive credit\, participants must complete the requirements below. \n\nRegister individually using your full name and accurate contact information.\nJoin the live webinar using the same full name (and email address\, if prompted) used during registration.\nAttend the live webinar in its entirety.\nComplete and submit the Continuing Education Credit Request Form.\nProvide your SAF Certified Forester identification number.\nAuthorize NAISMA to report your CFE credits to your SAF Certified Forester account.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHeidi Asplund\, Washington Department of Natural ResourcesHeidi Asplund is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist holding a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. She has worked in tree care for over 20 years with a municipal parks department\, a public power company and currently as an Urban Forestry Technician with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ Urban & Community Forestry Program. She received a Bachelor’s of Science in Urban Forestry at the University of Washington and a Master’s in Public Administration at Seattle University focusing on public land protection. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJeff Ramsey\, Portland Parks and RecreationJeff Ramsey is the Urban Forest Science Coordinator with Portland (OR) Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry\, where he manages a number of projects including the Tree Inventory Project\, which has mapped\, measured and identified over 275\,000 street and park trees; long-term monitoring of tree growth and survival of thousands of yard\, park\, and street trees; tracking change in the city’s tree canopy cover; and the city’s Heritage Tree program. Jeff holds a M.S in Geography and Graduate Certificate in GIS from Portland State University\, where he studied social and environmental determinants of urban tree canopy and potential. He served on the Urban Tree Growth and Longevity working group from 2023-2025\, and is a Qualified Tree Risk Assessor (TRAQ)\, Certified Arborist\, and Certified Urban Forest Professional with the International Society of Arboriculture. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnya Moucha\, Portland Parks and RecreationAnya Moucha is the Forest Pests and Pathogens Coordinator with Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry. In her role\, Anya guides the city’s response to forest health threats like Emerald Ash Borer\, Dutch Elm Disease\, and Mediterranean Oak Borer. A certified arborist\, she has a background in landscape architecture and environmental policy.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-planning-for-the-unknown-tools-for-urban-forest-pest-preparedness/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/tools12.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260909T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260909T153000
DTSTAMP:20261007T093827
CREATED:20260727T122244Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T114416Z
UID:310882-1788951600-1788967800@naisma.org
SUMMARY:eDNA Summit: From Detection to Decision: Environmental DNA for Invasive Species Management
DESCRIPTION:The North American Invasive Species Management Association’s inaugural eDNA Summit: From Detection to Decision: Environmental DNA for Invasive Species Management will be held virtually on September 9\, 2026\, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Central. This summit will explore how environmental DNA (eDNA) is transforming invasive species management by providing powerful new tools for early detection\, monitoring\, and decision making. The event will bring together researchers\, natural resource managers\, and practitioners from across North America to share practical applications\, emerging technologies\, and lessons learned from implementing eDNA in real-world management programs. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\nAs eDNA becomes an increasingly valuable tool for invasive species management\, natural resource professionals are looking beyond the science to understand how it can be effectively integrated into operational programs. This summit is designed to bridge that gap by highlighting how eDNA is informing management decisions in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. \n\n\n\nThrough presentations from leading experts\, participants will explore the full spectrum of eDNA applications from early detection and surveillance to emerging technologies and successful implementation. Sessions will feature case studies demonstrating how eDNA is helping guide invasive species management while also addressing the partnerships\, standards\, and practical considerations needed to move this technology from research into routine practice. \n\n\n\n\nAGENDA\n\n\n\n\nPresentations\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEnvironmental DNA and the Future of Invasive Species ManagementPresented by Adam Sepulveda\, USGS \n\n\n\nAdam Sepulveda is a Research Zoologist with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center in Bozeman\, Montana. Adam leads regional and national-level research programs on aquatic invasive species and biological threat surveillance\, with a focus on the development\, validation and application of environmental DNA (eDNA) tools. Currently\, he is the coordinator of the Rapid Environmental DNA Assessment and Deployment Initiative & Network (READI-Net) that is developing eDNA autosampler platforms and workflows to enhance early detection capacity for aquatic invasive species. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEstablishing Species Baselines and Monitoring Mexico’s Inland Aquatic Systems Using Environmental DNAPresented by Manuel Elías Gutiérrez\, ECOSUR \n\n\n\nManuel is full-time researcher at the ECOSUR since 1997\, and is the Representative of Mexico in the megaproject International Barcode of Life. He graduated as a Biologist by the National Autonomous University of Mexico\, both in Aquatic Ecology. His current research theme is the taxonomy and ecology of freshwater zooplankton\, with emphasis on the southeastern region of our country. He has participated in the description of new Mexican species\, genus and subfamily of copepods. He has given lectures and talks in many countries including Canada\, Korea\, Germany\, China\, etc. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUsing eDNA for Invasive Northern Pike Detections in Southcentral AlaskaPresented by Parker Bradley\, Alaska Department of Fish and Game \n\n\n\nThis presentation will go over a brief background of invasive northern pike in Southcentral Alaska and highlight the eDNA work we have done to detect northern pike. Parker will highlight one particular case study in the Cottonwood Creek drainage where both spring\, fall\, and winter sampling occurred to detect a small population of invasive pike.  \n\n\n\nParker Bradley is the Region II Invasive Species Coordinator for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Sport Fish. He’s been in this role since January\, but previously he was an Invasive Species Biologist\, focusing mainly on invasive pike since 2018. Prior to that he was a Habitat Biologist with ADF&G. He earned his master’s degree in Fisheries at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and received his bachelor’s from the University of Kentucky and University of Montana. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLessons from the Golden Mussel Response: Using eDNA for Early Detection and Coordinated MonitoringPresented by Dr. Yale Passamaneck\, Bureau of Reclamation \n\n\n\nThe golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) is a freshwater bivalve that is native to China. Introduced populations have spread widely in East Asia and South America and have caused significant impacts to water distribution and hydropower operations due to the high densities at which this fouling species can settle on hard substrates. In late 2024 the species was discovered in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in California\, the first identification of the species in North America. Since that identification\, the Bureau of Reclamation\, the State of California\, and other agencies have collaborated to optimize methods for environmental DNA (eDNA) detection of golden mussels\, and the Bureau of Reclamation’s Invasive Species Laboratory has deployed eDNA monitoring for golden mussels across the Western United states. \n\n\n\nYale Passamaneck has been a biologist with the Bureau of Reclamation’s Invasive Species Laboratory in Denver for 11 years and has used molecular biology tools to study a wide variety of invertebrate taxa for the last 28 years. At Reclamation\, Yale has focused on the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) and genomic tools for early detection\, monitoring\, and biocontrol of invasive mussel populations\, as well as other nonindigenous and native aquatic species. Since the identification of golden mussel populations in 2024\, Yale has collaborated with the State of California and other agencies on the optimization and deployment of eDNA assays for the early detection of this rapidly spreading invasive species. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApplying Environmental DNA to Terrestrial Invasive Species Detection and ManagementPresented by Toni Piaggio\, USDA APHIS \n\n\n\nI will share how we have applied eDNA for detection of invasive terrestrial species in adaptive management contexts. The next frontier is using this tool for genetic biocontrol monitoring and validating field-based tools for rapid assessments. \n\n\n\nMy research focuses on the application and development of genetic tools by combining data from these tools and natural history approaches to aid and inform management of wildlife and wildlife pathogens. I have focused on encouraging and facilitating collaborative efforts with various management agencies to inform management actions. I find it very rewarding to coordinate the various interests of multiple agencies and other groups to achieve a common goal of managing human-wildlife conflict while protecting biological diversity. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDevelopment of multiplex digital PCR assays for eDNA monitoring of invasive reptiles in Florida\, USAPresented by Melody Bloch\, University of Florida \n\n\n\nFlorida\, U.S.A.\, is a known hotspot for biological invasions. The impact of invasive reptiles on Everglades restoration efforts is of particular concern. Invasive reptiles are often sympatric and have been expanding their ranges in Florida\, increasing the need for multi-taxa detection and monitoring capabilities. Traditional methods for monitoring invasive reptiles\, such as visual detection\, have been unreliable since species are often cryptic or difficult to access. Environmental DNA monitoring is a promising solution to this issue. We developed and optimized multiplex digital PCR assays for the simultaneous detection of multiple invasive reptile species in Florida. Targeted taxa include constrictor snakes\, crocodylians\, monitor lizards\, and tegu lizards. These assays are highly specific to the corresponding target species\, with no cross-amplification and high levels of sensitivity. In addition to water samples\, we explore applications of these assays for detection in soil\, vegetation\, and mosquitoes. \n\n\n\nMelody Bloch is a PhD student in the Vector Entomology Lab at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in entomology and nematology from UF. Her prior research focused on using molecular techniques to improve the detection of plant pathogens and their vectors. Now\, her focus has expanded to using these techniques\, along with environmental DNA\, to detect and monitor a variety of invasive species. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUse of eDNA in the early detection of forest insect pests: finding the needle in the haystackPresented by Julie Lockwood\, Rutgers University \n\n\n\nThere has been substantial recent progress in deploying environmental DNA (eDNA) for early detection of invasive forest insect pests\, a critical challenge because management success often depends on detecting species at very low abundance. I highlight the limitations of conventional forest insect pest surveillance\, in which detection probability is constrained by pest abundance\, trap efficiency\, and sampling effort. I detail the development of a tree-surface eDNA sampling pipeline with contamination controls and demonstrate its applications for detecting satellite populations of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) across a large highway network. Our highway corridor surveys showed extensive eDNA detection across New York State and a marked improvement in detection probability compared with conventional approaches\, offering a rapid\, scalable surveillance method. We are developing similar approaches to those used for other impactful insect pests of North American forests\, learning with each application. Based on our experience thus far\, we have posited that eDNA technology is operationally ready\, though regulatory frameworks\, standardization\, communication\, and cost reduction remain important challenges. \n\n\n\nA Rutgers faculty member since 2004\, Julie Lockwood is a global leader in the study of invasive species and the negative economic\, ecological\, and social impacts they can impose. Julie has provided critical scientific evidence for the conservation and restoration of biodiversity in the face of climate change. Her work on the rising rates of species invasions and extinctions has led to widespread recognition of global-scale shifts in biodiversity\, which she and her colleagues have termed “biotic homogenization.” She is fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the Ecological Society of America\, and she contributes to the United Nations intergovernmental Science-Society Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Julie served as Interim Director of the Rutgers Institute of Earth\, Ocean\, and Atmospheric Sciences from February\, 2022 until September of 2023. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvaluating the potential of airborne eDNA for invasive species detection in shipping containersPresented by Stephen Spear\, USGS \n\n\n\nCargo shipments remain a primary pathway for the accidental introduction of invasive species to remote Pacific islands\, posing significant biosecurity risks. Visual inspections are often insufficient due to the complexity of cargo and the small size of many invasive insects. We evaluated whether airborne eDNA could detect invasive insects using both an experimental trial and a real-world shipment example. Using fan-powered filters\, we successfully detected eDNA from invasive ants and mosquitoes in the experimental setup\, and from a diversity of invertebrate taxa in the real-world shipment. However\, our results showed that airborne eDNA inside containers can originate from both internal and external sources\, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact location of the pests. This emphasizes the importance of refining protocols to ensure reliable detection and minimize false positives. As this technology advances\, airborne eDNA could provide managers with a sensitive\, practical tool for early detection and prevention of pest introductions via cargo shipments\, ultimately strengthening island biosecurity. \n\n\n\nStephen began his career as a conservation scientist with the Orianne Society\, a reptile and amphibian conservation organization and concurrently as a visiting scientist with the University of Idaho. During this time he worked on landscape genetics of snakes\, developed an eDNA monitoring program for eastern hellbender\, and initiated a bushmaster conservation program in Costa Rica. After six years at Orianne Society\, he worked for four years as Director of Wildlife Ecology at The Wilds\, an Association of Zoos and Aquariums institution in eastern Ohio\, where he oversaw hellbender and American burying beetle headstarting and reintroduction\, conducted site-level ecological studies\, and continued his work on eDNA and genomic projects. His USGS research portfolio includes advancing environmental DNA detection and use as an early detection and rapid response tool for management of invasive species. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSample. Sense. Respond. – Autonomous Robotics for Real-Time eDNA MonitoringPresented by Kristine Moody\, Oak Ridge National Laboratory \n\n\n\nThis talk explores the transformative role of autonomous robotics in aquatic biodiversity assessments\, marking a shift from labor-intensive manual methods to a new era of persistent\, high-resolution monitoring. It provides an overview of eDNA sampling and sensing requirements for real-time mitigation and management\, the commercial landscape of automated systems\, and emerging technology that will accelerate eDNA monitoring at scale. This talk will also touch on the ORNL-developed eDNA-bot\, a system that has evolved from a manual benchtop prototype into a single-use cartridge platform. By integrating a novel pump-free water intake mechanism and specialized eDNA capture chemistry with real-time species sensing\, eDNA-bot eliminates cross-contamination risks and reduces the operational footprint. Ultimately\, the advancement of fit-for-purpose autonomous eDNA systems will facilitate real-time invasive species detection\, providing the critical biological insights necessary to enable rapid management responses in dynamic aquatic environments. \n\n\n\nDr. Kristine Moody is a Molecular Ecologist at the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory in east Tennessee. Her research interests span evolutionary ecology\, population genetics and connectivity\, invasive species management\, and conservation. She leads a team of engineers\, computer scientists\, fisheries biologists\, and geneticists developing new technologies for environmental DNA (eDNA) research in hydropower and marine energy installations. This work involves interagency and industry partnerships to hopefully bridge the gap between eDNA research\, tech transfer and commercialization\, and sector adoption. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\neDNA 4.0: The Use of Targeted Capture for Species DetectionPresented by Joseph Craine\, Jonah Ventures \n\n\n\nTargeted capture using RNA baits represents a new generation of environmental DNA analysis that combines the sensitivity of targeted assays with the broad taxonomic coverage of metabarcoding. This presentation will describe how large\, customizable bait panels can support simultaneous surveillance for numerous invasive species while also recovering near-complete barcode regions that strengthen taxonomic confidence. Results from Boulder Creek\, Colorado\, will illustrate the ability of targeted capture to detect diverse aquatic organisms\, including non-native species\, from complex environmental samples. The presentation will also discuss how standardized bait panels could be scaled for early detection\, regional monitoring\, and rapid expansion as new invasive-species priorities emerge. \n\n\n\nJoseph Craine is an ecologist and the founder and CEO of Jonah Ventures\, an environmental DNA laboratory established in 2014. Jonah Ventures processes more than 50\,000 samples annually for biodiversity assessment\, species detection\, and ecological monitoring. Craine’s work focuses on developing and applying molecular tools—including DNA metabarcoding and targeted capture with RNA baits—to detect invasive species\, characterize aquatic and terrestrial communities\, and improve the scalability of environmental monitoring. He has authored or coauthored more than 140 peer-reviewed publications spanning ecology\, biodiversity\, and environmental DNA. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow standards and guidelines can build trust and reliability in eDNA dataPresented by Katy Klymus\, USGS \n\n\n\nEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) methods have become increasingly popular enabling non-invasive and non-destructive monitoring for target taxa. The high scalability of eDNA methods allow increased spatial and temporal scale monitoring to improve biodiversity distributional data and biosurveillance of invasive species. However\, the adoption of eDNA tools for real-world applications has been hindered by the lack of standardized workflows and metadata reporting guidelines that ensure reproducible results. National and international groups are working towards development of such standards. Here I provide an overview on the role that informal and formal guidelines and standards play in increasing trust\, reliability and reproducibility of eDNA tools and data from national and global perspetives. I discuss the work being done through a recently developed iESTF (International eDNA standardization taskforce) subgroup on the development of an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) level eDNA standard for targeted assays (i.e. qPCR\, dPCR). Finally\, I will discuss the formation of an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) technical advisory group that provides U.S. technical expertise on the water quality and eDNA standards that are working through the ISO pipeline. \n\n\n\nKaty is a research biologist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center\, with the USGS in Columbia\, Missouri. Since joining the USGS in 2016\, Katy has focused on applying genetic and genomic tools to support wildlife management. She specifically focuses on developing environmental DNA tools for biodiversity monitoring\, is actively involved in the drafting of international standards for genetic analyses\, and collaborates on synthetic biology projects for invasive species management. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrom Detection to Decision: Managing New Zealand Mudsnails with eDNAPresented by Jennifer Graves\, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service \n\n\n\nThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Alchesay National Fish Hatchery produces trout for stocking in tribal waters across the southwestern United States\, while contending with the persistent threat of New Zealand mudsnail invasion. This presentation will highlight how environmental DNA (eDNA) is applied at the facility to monitor for this aquatic invasive species and will walk through a successful early detection and rapid response event. Key factors that contributed to this success\, along with lessons learned\, will be shared to help resource managers facing similar challenges strengthen their own monitoring and response strategies. \n\n\n\nJennifer Graves is a biologist for the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. She provides technical and financial assistance to private and tribal partners who are interested in habitat restoration on their lands for the benefit of federal trust resources. Jennifer also assists the Arizona Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office in various native fish work\, including monitoring populations of Razorback Sucker\, Humpback Chub\, and Apache Trout\, conducting and monitoring habitat restoration projects\, and serving as the lead aquatic invasive species biologist for work at Alchesay National Fish Hatchery. Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree from Juniata College and a master’s degree from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Outside of work\, Jennifer loves to hang out with her multitude of pets\, hike\, travel\, and fly fish across the west by completing various state trout slams and the Western Native Trout Challenge.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/edna-summit-from-detection-to-decision-environmental-dna-for-invasive-species-management/
CATEGORIES:Summit
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/34480732315_660b417d29_o-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260916T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260916T140000
DTSTAMP:20261007T093827
CREATED:20260304T130213Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T130216Z
UID:138045-1789563600-1789567200@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Managing Invasive Blue Catfish in the Chesapeake Bay
DESCRIPTION:Invasive blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) have become an increasingly prominent species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed\, raising important ecological and management questions for resource professionals across the region. Join Branson Williams from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for an update on how the state is working to better understand the scale of this invasion and inform management decisions. This webinar will provide an overview of current monitoring and research efforts\, including the use of electrofishing to assess blue catfish populations and improve estimates of abundance in key waterways. Our presenter will share insights into how improved data collection and collaborative efforts are helping guide management actions in a large and complex estuarine system. This session will be particularly valuable for invasive species managers\, fisheries professionals\, and others interested in how science based monitoring tools can support informed decision making in aquatic invasive species management. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBranson Williams\, Maryland Department of Natural ResourcesBranson Williams is the Invasive Fishes Program Manager within the Freshwater Fisheries and Hatcheries Division at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. He has worked for the department as a Natural Resources Biologist since 2010 and has served in his current role since 2023\, where he leads efforts to better understand and manage invasive fish species across Maryland’s waterways. Branson holds a Master of Science in Fisheries Science from William & Mary and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He has co-authored multiple research publications focused on blue catfish movement and population dynamics\, and his work emphasizes data driven research to inform effective fisheries management strategies for both native and invasive species.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-managing-invasive-blue-catfish-in-the-chesapeake-bay/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/septweb.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261014T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261014T140000
DTSTAMP:20261007T093827
CREATED:20260507T171738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T120339Z
UID:310201-1791982800-1791986400@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Developing a Recipe for Success: Can Public Harvest Control Invasive Species?
DESCRIPTION:From nutria to lionfish\, natural resource managers and culinary artists have speculated that harvest and use of invasive species could provide a means of managing or even eliminating nuisance populations. Through multiple reviews of the scientific and popular literature\, we have concluded that\, if used properly\, incentivizing and encouraging public or commercial harvest could represent an opportunity to support management goals while simultaneously boosting economic development and environmental awareness. However\, if used incorrectly\, negative consequences such as generation of perverse incentives to further spread invaders can occur. In this talk\, we will highlight principles we believe can help promote success and minimize risks of harvest-based invasive species management approaches. We’ll review the biological\, ecological\, human health\, and socioeconomic factors involved in invasive species incentives. We also offer recommendations to assist in successful\, delicious\, and fashionable implementation of a successful harvest program. \n\n\n\n*Note: The scientific results and conclusions\, as well as any views or opinions expressed\, are those of the presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMatthew Barnes\, PhDMatthew Barnes is an Associate Professor of Natural Resources Management at Texas Tech University. His research program primarily focuses on detection and management of invasive species in freshwater systems\, and he also conducts research on the ecology of environmental DNA (eDNA) and eDNA applications. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAndrew Deines\, PhDAndrew Deines is a Certified Fisheries Professional who helps clients understand how and why fish populations fail. He combines fisheries ecology\, NRDA\, and endangered species expertise with advanced analytics and defensible AI workflows to solve high-stakes environmental problems involving contaminants\, habitat alteration\, and biological injury. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJason Goldberg\, MS\, MPPJason Goldberg is a Senior Management Analyst with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Joint Administrative Operations programs. Among other roles\, he previously served as an injurious wildlife coordinator with the Service’s Branch of Aquatic Invasive Species. Jason also worked early in his career on Capitol Hill and with NOAA. In winter\, he keeps warm with a scarf made from invasive New Zealand possums. He can also confirm that lionfish and blue catfish do not taste like chicken. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSusan Pasko\, PhDSusan Pasko works within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Branch of Aquatic Invasive Species\, serving as the Executive Secretary of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force\, an intergovernmental committee dedicated to the prevention and management of aquatic invasive species. Prior\, she served as the Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator at NOAA Fisheries. In these roles\, Susan has worked with a variety of agencies and partners across the United States to develop and advance strategic and implementation plans that represent ANS Task Force priorities. Susan holds a B.S. in Marine Science from Stockton University and a PhD in Aquatic Ecology from Kent State University.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-developing-a-recipe-for-success-can-public-harvest-control-invasive-species/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/harvest.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261019T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261022T170000
DTSTAMP:20261007T093827
CREATED:20260306T125928Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T130031Z
UID:138050-1792396800-1792688400@naisma.org
SUMMARY:NAISMA Annual Conference
DESCRIPTION:Global Leadership – Local Impact\n\n\n\nNAISMA’s 2026 Annual Conference will take place at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center\, just minutes from Washington\, D.C. This event brings together invasive species management professionals\, researchers\, educators\, and policymakers from across North America to share ideas\, innovations\, and strategies for protecting natural ecosystems. \n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE
URL:https://naisma.org/event/naisma-annual-conference/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SaveTheDate-Alexandria-2026-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T140000
DTSTAMP:20261007T093827
CREATED:20260310T130405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T130612Z
UID:138090-1795006800-1795010400@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Building Capacity for Rapid Response: Interjurisdictional Invasive Species Rapid Response Team (IInSRRT)
DESCRIPTION:The Interjurisdictional Invasive Species Rapid Response Team (IInSRRT) is a program being designed to support or lead\, as requested\, rapid response actions across jurisdictions in support of lead management authorities\, such as DOI land management agencies\, states\, tribes\, and territories. \n\n\n\nThe goal of the IInSRRT is to respond to nationally significant invasive species\, as appropriate to the DOI mission\, and across multiple jurisdictions regardless of land ownership within the authorities of DOI bureaus. The program structure is composed of the IInSRRT Coordinator\, an IInSRRT Guidance Group\, and deployment team responders initially composed of employees within the DOI. The Guidance Group provides guidance and support for the program. The IInSRRT Coordinator has been assisting in achieving management objectives flowing from the  National Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) Framework and other local\, regional\, and national efforts. The IInSRRT program is meant to increase resources available to support rapid response actions\, through Incident Command System (ICS) emergency response support that may include an interjurisdictional deployment team for invasive species incident response on and off DOI lands and waters as requested. \n\n\n\nThis presentation will provide an overview of the IInSRRT structure\, roles the program can support during response actions\, and provide one of many opportunities for suggestions on how to effectively implement the program. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMcKayla Spencer\, Interjurisdictional Invasive Species Rapid Response Team CoordinatorMcKayla Spencer is the Interjurisdictional Invasive Species Rapid Response Team (IInSRRT) Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). She received her B.S. in Zoology from the University of Florida and her M.S. in Biology from Austin Peay State University with a thesis on comparative physiology and behavior of two native North American snakes. She worked with invasives species on Guam\, including Brown Treesnakes\, before working with other invasive species in Florida with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as the state’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program Coordinator. She now coordinates the IInSRRT program for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service\, implementing the program with partners to increase the capacity for invasive species rapid response.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-building-capacity-for-rapid-response-interjurisdictional-invasive-species-rapid-response-team-iinsrrt/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/novweb1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261201T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261201T160000
DTSTAMP:20261007T093827
CREATED:20260713T131836Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T144259Z
UID:310791-1796126400-1796140800@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Invasive Species and Climate Change Conference Day 1
DESCRIPTION:Please join us for the 3rd annual International Invasive Species and Climate Change Conference (IISCCC) organized by the Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (RISCC) Network on December 1 and 2\, 2026. This year’s theme is\, “Redefining invasive species management in a changing world.” This conference is VIRTUAL allowing for more international attendance while reducing our carbon footprint. Please click on the button below to register for both days of this event (a single registration link will be used for the duration of the event). \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConference registration is free and features topics including sessions on: \n\n\n\n\nMarine ecosystems\n\n\n\nFood security\n\n\n\nExtreme events\n\n\n\nLessons from management\n\n\n\nDisease/One Health\n\n\n\n\nBecause biological invasions and climate change are global issues that know no boundaries\, the IISCCC strives to create space to share research and management practices\, expand networks\, and promote translational experiences. For more information\, please visit: https://www.risccnetwork.org/iisccc-2026 or email iRISCCnetwork@gmail.com.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/invasive-species-and-climate-change-conference-day-1/
CATEGORIES:Conferences,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/climate333.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261202T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261202T160000
DTSTAMP:20261007T093827
CREATED:20260713T132240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T144246Z
UID:310797-1796212800-1796227200@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Invasive Species and Climate Change Conference Day 2
DESCRIPTION:Please join us for the 3rd annual International Invasive Species and Climate Change Conference (IISCCC) organized by the Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (RISCC) Network on December 1 and 2\, 2026. This year’s theme is\, “Redefining invasive species management in a changing world.” This conference is VIRTUAL allowing for more international attendance while reducing our carbon footprint. Please click on the button below to register for both days of this event (a single registration link will be used for the duration of the event). \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConference registration is free and features topics including sessions on: \n\n\n\n\nMarine ecosystems\n\n\n\nFood security\n\n\n\nExtreme events\n\n\n\nLessons from management\n\n\n\nDisease/One Health\n\n\n\n\nBecause biological invasions and climate change are global issues that know no boundaries\, the IISCCC strives to create space to share research and management practices\, expand networks\, and promote translational experiences. For more information\, please visit: https://www.risccnetwork.org/iisccc-2026 or email iRISCCnetwork@gmail.com.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/invasive-species-and-climate-change-conference-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Conferences,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/climate333.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261210T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261210T150000
DTSTAMP:20261007T093827
CREATED:20260915T131625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261002T175436Z
UID:311139-1796900400-1796914800@naisma.org
SUMMARY:7th Annual Weed Biocontrol Summit
DESCRIPTION:The North American Invasive Species Management Association’s 7th Annual Weed Biocontrol Summit will be held virtually on December 10\, 2026\, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm CST. This year’s theme\, “Local Biocontrol Successes\,” will highlight successful weed biocontrol efforts ranging from British Columbia\, Canada\, to Florida\, USA\, while connecting researchers with invasive plant managers and educators across North America. The event is sponsored by the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nImage Credit: Image used with permission. Peter Williams\, Yampa River Leafy Spurge Project.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/7th-annual-weed-biocontrol-summit/
CATEGORIES:Summit,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/xconvert.com-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270217T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270217T110000
DTSTAMP:20261007T093827
CREATED:20260917T143152Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T115321Z
UID:311146-1802858400-1802862000@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Expanding Monitoring Capacity for Potential Invasive Species in Arctic Canada With Environmental DNA Metabarcoding
DESCRIPTION:To date\, environmental conditions have been enough to act as an effective barrier to prevent non-indigenous species from arriving and establishing in Arctic Canada. However\, rapidly changing climatic conditions are creating more suitable habitats for non-indigenous species to potentially establish and become invasive. Concurrently\, shipping traffic in parts of Arctic Canada has increased by over 250% since 1990\, providing an effective vector for transporting non-indigenous species to the region. Arctic Canada has been historically undersampled\, so Arctic biota inventories are incomplete\, hampering efforts to establish if a species is new to the region (and potentially invasive) or newly discovered. In this study\, we utilize environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and ships of opportunity to assess eukaryotic community composition and potential invasives along one of the busiest shipping routes\, the Northwest Passage. One liter seawater samples were collected in triplicate at 27 locations\, targeting touristic hotspots frequently visited by passenger vessels. Eukaryotic DNA was amplified from the 18S rRNA V9 and COI regions\, resulting in 126 unique Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) detected with COI and 391 ASVs with 18S\, providing an important snapshot of current community composition. Copepods\, dinoflagellates\, and diatoms were the most abundant taxonomic groups\, correlating well with previous net sampler surveys\, validating the efficacy of eDNA for biodiversity surveillance. We also report the first detections of a prolific invasive species\, the bay barnacle (Amphibalanus improvisus)\, in Arctic Canada. Further work is currently in progress to establish whether these detections represent transient barnacle larvae or sessile adults capable of recruiting and reproducing. Our study demonstrates the utility of eDNA for the detection of non-indigenous species in a data-poor area\, which\, if combined with citizen science initiatives and local communities\, could provide a vital monitoring tool for the detection of new invasives in this rapidly changing area. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nElizabeth Boyse\, Molecular Ecology Research Fellow\, University College London (UCL)Betty Boyse is a molecular ecologist specializing in the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) technologies to support biodiversity monitoring and conservation management. She is currently a postdoctoral research fellow in Joanne Littlefair’s lab at UCL\, where she is investigating the potential of airborne eDNA for terrestrial biodiversity. In particular\, she is working on samples collected from the Swiss air quality monitoring network to investigate how terrestrial communities have changed over the past 20 years in response to environmental factors and human impacts. \n\n\n\nPreviously\, she worked as a postdoctoral research associate at the British Antarctic Survey\, where she collected marine eDNA samples along the Northwest Passage in Arctic Canada to detect invasive species that may have arrived as a result of increasing shipping traffic. She also provided a current baseline of community composition\, facilitating the detection of new arrivals in the future. \n\n\n\nFor her PhD at the University of Leeds\, she investigated the use of marine eDNA to simultaneously detect marine mammals and their key prey species\, improving understanding of fine-scale habitat use. She also explored the reconstruction of ecosystem networks (food webs and co-occurrence networks) from eDNA data across the tree of life (e.g. from plankton to whales).
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-expanding-monitoring-capacity-for-potential-invasive-species-in-arctic-canada-with-environmental-dna-metabarcoding/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/webmar27.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270317T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270317T140000
DTSTAMP:20261007T093827
CREATED:20260908T125032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T113831Z
UID:311132-1805288400-1805292000@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Population Genetics of Eurasian Watermilfoil Throughout the Lake Champlain Basin of New York and Vermont: Insights into Clonality\, Reproduction\, and Management
DESCRIPTION:Eurasian watermilfoil is a charismatic invasive species and has been found within the Lake Champlain Basin for well over 50 years. As such\, they have spread widely and caused havoc throughout the basin; millions of dollars are spent annually on management and control. An important and often underappreciated aspect of management is the genetic ancestry of the organism\, or population\, in question. Newer genome-wide sequencing approaches have the resolution to expand upon current knowledge by using thousands of molecular markers\, rather than a handful. This project generated genome-wide sequence data for hundreds of Eurasian watermilfoil from 30 waterbodies throughout the Lake Champlain Basin. Across all sampled Eurasian watermilfoil populations\, over 100 unique clones (i.e.\, MLGs) were identified\, demonstrating considerable genetic diversity despite the dominance of a small number of successful regional clones. One clone was detected in most waterbodies\, making them the most widespread MLG identified during this project. In contrast\, most other MLGs were private to individual waterbodies or found in only a few waterbodies\, indicating that local genetic diversification is an important contributor to genetic ancestry. Further\, we identified the Lake Hortonia area as a regional hotspot of genetic diversity\, as Lake Hortonia contained many unique MLGs and consisted of multiple genetically distinct hybrids lineages. Further\, our data suggest that Eurasian watermilfoil sexually reproduce at higher rates than is currently appreciated. Our findings demonstrate that Eurasian watermilfoil is considerably more genetically diverse than currently recognized\, and multiple independent hybrid populations have been formed in a narrow geographic region. As hybrids and different clones can have variable responses to management practices\, knowledge of their ancestry and follow up studies to understand their response to control should drive future Eurasian watermilfoil management. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlex Sotola\, Assistant Professor\, SUNY OneontaAlex Sotola is an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at SUNY Oneonta. He teaches classes in genetics\, evolution\, and bioinformatics\, and works collaboratively with both undergraduate and graduate students on evolutionary genetics of fishes and plants\, with a specific interest in hybridization and ecological genetics. This work was funded through the Lake Champlain Basin Program\, and this presentation is the culmination of a two-year research project\, led by master’s students Darian Paul and Caliegh Millette\, with the assistance of many undergraduate researchers. Through his work\, he wants to not only better understand the evolution of invasive species\, but to also spread the word of how genetic projects should be incorporated into management and conservation work.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-population-genetics-of-eurasian-watermilfoil-throughout-the-lake-champlain-basin-of-new-york-and-vermont-insights-into-clonality-reproduction-and-management/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/waterfoil2323.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR