The Invasive Species Centre hosted the 4th annual Invasive Species Forum, ‘Invasive Species Action in a Changing Climate,’ virtually from February 7-9 in partnership with Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. The Forum brought together invasive species experts including over 60 speakers, calling attention to issues, research, and advances in prevention and management of invasive species across Canada and in neighbouring U.S. States.
Invasive species are plants, animals, insects, and pathogens that are introduced to an area and cause harm to the environment, economy, or society. Climate change and invasive species are pressing threats to global ecosystems and the biodiversity they support. As a result of these threats, many beloved pastimes in Canada are impacted such as hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, and visiting local parks. Many organizations work together to protect lands and waters in Canada from these harmful arrivals, and the Invasive Species Forum connects and shares new information to support future work.
Sarah Rang, Executive Director of the Invasive Species Centre noted, “We are delighted to have record participation of over 900 attendees at the 3-day Invasive Species Forum. The Invasive Species Centre is always looking for new partners, projects, and ideas to help protect lands and waters in Canada from invasive species.”
The Invasive Species Forum featured many topics including research and management developments for forest invasive species like oak wilt and spotted lanternfly (which also impacts the fruit and wine industries), invasive plants on land and in water, aquatic invasive species, municipal and Indigenous communities, and education and community science. Session recordings are available on the Invasive Species Centre’s YouTube Channel.
The Forum also celebrated nominees and winners of the annual Invasive Species Centre Awards, recognizing the leadership and commitment of those who help keep lands and waters in Canada free from invasive species. Winners of the 2023 Invasive Species Centre Awards were Jim McCready of the Forest Health Network and Eastern Ontario Model Forest for the Career Achievement Award, Dr. Ryan Brook from the University of Saskatchewan for the Innovation Award, Dr. Pedro Antunes on behalf of Algoma University for the Leadership Award, the Ontario Youth Naturalist Program overseen by Dr. Linda Rodenburg for the Leadership Award, and Ozero Solutions, founded by Olivier Liberge, Maxime Guay, and Matys Tessier, for the Young Professional Award.
Image 1: Presenters at Invasive Species Forum 2023
Image 2: 2023 Invasive Species Centre Award Winners
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About the Invasive Species Centre
The Invasive Species Centre is a not-for-profit organization that prevents the spread of invasive species in Canada and beyond by connecting with stakeholders to catalyze invasive species management and communicate policy and science knowledge. Visit our website at www.invasivespeciescentre.ca to learn about invasive species, get technical information, take action, and sign up for news and events.
For more information or to speak with a member of the Invasive Species Centre team regarding the 2023 Invasive Species Forum, please contact the Invasive Species Centre at 705 541-5790 or events@invasivespeciescentre.ca.
