The Invasive Species Centre hosted the 5th annual Invasive Species Forum virtually from February 12-15, in partnership with Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. The Forum brought together invasive species managers and community groups 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.
The Forum also celebrated nominees and winners of the annual Invasive Species Centre Awards, recognizing the leadership and commitment of those who help protect lands and waters in Canada from invasive species. Winners of the 2024 Invasive Species Centre Awards were:
- Dr. Nicholas Mandrak from the University of Toronto Scarborough for the Career Achievement Award
- Dr. Yoamel Milián-García from the University of Guelph for the Innovation Award
- Dr. Rebecca Rooney from the University of Waterloo for the Leadership Award
- Cassidy Egerdeen of the City of Mississauga for the Young Professional Award
There was also a special acknowledgement of Errol Caldwell of Sault Ste. Marie for the legacy of his contributions to invasive species research and management, including helping establish the Invasive Species Centre.
Invasive species are plants, animals, insects, and pathogens that are introduced to an area and cause harm to the environment, economy, or society. Invasive species are the second most significant threat to biodiversity. As a result of these threats, many beloved pastimes in Canada are impacted such as hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, and visiting local parks.
Sarah Rang, Executive Director of the Invasive Species Centre noted, “A record 1,000 people at the Invasive Species Forum shared ideas, new tools, and new methods to prevent and manage invasive species. Invasive species have a $3.6-billion-dollar annual impact in Ontario on forests, fisheries, agriculture, infrastructure, public health, recreation, and tourism.”
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, beer, and wine industries), invasive plants on land and in water, aquatic invasive species, municipal and Indigenous communities, education, and community science. Session recordings are available on the Invasive Species Centre’s YouTube Channel.
