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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 5d

The Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council (MAIPC) has opened registration for its upcoming conference. The 2-day event will take place October 20–21 at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Virginia!

More info + registration ➡️ invasivesfree.org/maipc-confer...

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 6d

A recent study published in PNAS (co-authored by ISC Affiliate, Dr. Haldre Rogers) offers the first global analysis of how species introductions and extinctions are transforming plant–animal interactions on 120 oceanic islands 🐦🌱

Full article here ➡️ www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...

PNAS

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), a peer reviewed journal of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) - an authoritative source of high-impact, original research that broadly spans...

www.pnas.org

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 11d

Dr. Stacy Endriss recently presented at Virginia Tech's weekly Ecology, Evolution, & Behavior (EEB) Seminar Series. Stacy is an Assistant Professor of #InvasiveSpecies Research and Extension and studies non-native plants, as well as insect interactions with such plants 🌿🌱

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 13d

This collaborative research explores Indigenous perspectives on Bimiizii (sea lamprey), an invasive species introduced to the Great Lakes in the mid-1800s. This project will also emphasize relational understandings often absent in mainstream invasion ecology. Way to go, Beth and team!

Global Change Center at Virginia Tech @globalchangevt.bsky.social · 13d

🌊🐟 Congrats to GCC affiliate Dr. Elizabeth Nyboer!

She’s leading Virginia Tech’s role in the Ginebigomeg Project. This collaborative effort explores Indigenous relationships with sea lamprey and strengthens communication between Indigenous communities and management authorities.

Virginia Tech researcher awarded Great Lakes Fishery Commission grant for sea lamprey project

Assistant Professor Beth Nyboer was awarded a grant to study how communication around sea lamprey management and control takes place between state authorities and Indigenous communities to identify…

news.vt.edu

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 13d

🍂 #HokieHike 2025 is here! Hike anywhere, anytime from Oct. 1 to Nov. 17, & join Hokies worldwide for an adventure! 🔗 aimsbbis.vt.edu/hike25

While you're out on the trails, remember: even the smallest seed can cause big problems. Learn how you can reduce the spread @ #PlayCleanGo (playcleango.org)

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 29d

Harrison Miles, a Ph.D. student in forest resources and environmental conservation, is studying the effects of using a native fungus on the spotted lanternfly's (SLF) preferred host, the tree-of-heaven. This fungus has the potential to help suppress SLF populations!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNm_...

Using the spotted lantern fly to control a different kind of invasive species

YouTube video by Virginia Tech

www.youtube.com

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · Sep 12

Recent pics from Dr. Bryan Brown's promotion seminar on "Biodiversity in River Networks". Dr. Brown has been an integral part of the ISC since its humble beginnings in 2016 and currently serves on the Steering Committee! He is also our go-to invasive crayfish person! 🦞

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · Sep 11

📢 Virginia Tech is hiring! 📢 Please reshare and promote!

We are seeking an economist for a research & teaching position at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor level in applied economics with a focus on #invasive species.

For more info & to apply ➡️ careers.pageuppeople.com/968/cw/en-us...

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · Sep 8

🦞 Invasive crayfish aren’t just competitors - they erase native symbionts. Check out the newest research by ISC affiliate Dr. Bryan Brown 🦞

Biological Invasions (open-access): link.springer.com/article/10.1...

Here today, gone tomorrow: the effects of an invading host on a community of native symbionts - Biological Invasions

Invasions by new host species could potentially affect native symbionts associated with native hosts. Effects of invading hosts can be either negative or positive depending on host competence. Three n...

link.springer.com

Reposted by Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech

Jacob Barney @invder.bsky.social · Sep 6

Went hiking in Aoraki (Mt Cook) National Park - I’m pointing to the highest point in NZ. I have no words.

@vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social representing in New Zealand!

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · Sep 3

Virginia Tech entomologist, Doug Pfeiffer, tells PBS NewsHour that invasive spotted lanternflies are here to stay, no matter how many of them you squish.

www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...

East Coast vineyards threatened by invasive spotted lanternflies

They’re on pavement, in gardens and in parks. If you’re in the Northeast, you’ve probably seen a spotted lanternfly this summer. The invasive species has spread to 19 states where they chow down on do...

www.pbs.org

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · Aug 29

A big shout-out to the Loudoun Invasive Removal Alliance (LIRA)! Thanks to their leadership and advocacy, Loudoun County, VA is rolling out a new $2 million program to help property owners remove invasive plants and replace them with native species 👏🌿

www.loudounnow.com/news/loudoun...

Loudoun County Ramps Up Invasive Species Removal Efforts

Removing invasive plants across Loudoun is about to get easier as a county program to help property owners fund their removal – and replacement with native species – is set

www.loudounnow.com

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · Aug 26

Congratulations to Dr. Esra Buyuktahtakin Toy for receiving a new grant from the VA Dept. of Forestry on "AI-Driven Decision Optimization for the Effective Management of Wavyleaf Grass Invasions in Virginia".

Learn more about wavyleaf grass in Virginia here ➡️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-dA...

Virginia's Least Wanted: Wavyleaf Grass

YouTube video by ForestryTV

www.youtube.com

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · Aug 18

Several weeks ago, ISC students enrolled in the @globalchangevt.bsky.social IGC program participated in Blacksburg's annual Steppin' Out event. Their booth highlighted how people and communities are tackling global environmental challenges like #invasive species, climate change, and pollution.

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · Aug 11

Since 2002, Stroubles Creek has been designated as "impaired" by the U.S. EPA. Researchers in Sally Entrekin's Aquatic Entomology lab at VT study aquatic invertebrates in Stroubles to better understand stream health in response to restoration efforts 🐌🐟🌿

news.vt.edu/content/news...

Aquatic invertebrates indicate stream health

Researchers in Sally Entrekin's Aquatic Entomology lab at Virginia Tech study the aquatic invertebrates of Stroubles Creek to determine the health of the stream. What species they find indicates if st...

news.vt.edu

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · Aug 5

At this year’s Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association Field Day, Fang-Ling Chloe Liu represented the ISC by sharing innovative research on using native ants as biosurveillance tools to detect spotted lanternfly infestations.

#invasivespecies #spottedlanternfly #VNLA

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · Jul 31

Our partners at the Virginia Department of Forestry are hiring an Invasive Species Specialist! This position will support the VDOF's invasive species initiatives in central and western Virginia. To learn more and apply visit ➡️ www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/invasiv...

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · Jul 29

UPDATE 📢 The invasive box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) has been confirmed in Virginia. Its current known distribution is in Clarke and Loudoun counties. Be sure to report any findings here! ➡️ lnkd.in/ehm3bdqH

🌱 Box Tree Moth ID - lnkd.in/equ7JWfm

Reposted by Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech

Global Change Center at Virginia Tech @globalchangevt.bsky.social · Jul 25

🌎 Visit Ripples of Change at Steppin’ Out (Aug 1–2), Booth D23/D23A (Zone B) on Draper Rd!

Created by IGC Fellows, this immersive art-science exhibit showcases real action on global change 🌱🎨

🔗 blacksburgsteppinout.com

#GCCatVT #SteppinOut2025

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · Jul 28

Congratulations to Jordan Thompson for successfully defending her Master's thesis! Over the last two years, Jordan has studied the impacts of #invasive jumping worms. The ISC wishes her continued success as she embarks on the next stage of her career!👏📚

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · Jul 24

A new study led by #VirginiaTech researchers found that volunteer dog-handler teams — made up of everyday people and their pets — can effectively detect spotted lanternfly egg masses, an #invasive insect that's damaging farms and forests in the U.S. 🐕🐶🐩

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3A_...

Virginia Tech research leads dogs to sniff out spotted lanternflies

YouTube video by Virginia Tech

www.youtube.com

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · Jul 22

The ISC had a great time at the annual College of Science Summer Camp! High school students rotated through several stations to learn about #invasivespecies

✅ Invasive ants, crayfish, & plants
✅ Ecosystem impacts in different systems
✅ And more!

Until next year!

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · Jul 22

Congratulations to Grace! A current ISC affiliate and former ISC graduate student representative on the Steering Committee. A well-deserved fellowship awardee! 🎇

Global Change Center at Virginia Tech @globalchangevt.bsky.social · Jul 22

🌍 Big ideas, bold research, and real impact.

The 2025–26 Global Change Fellows are tackling challenges from biodiversity loss to energy policy and environmental health!

🔗 Meet the new cohort: buff.ly/aBXrR40

@vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social @virginiatech.bsky.social

Headshots of the 2025-26 Global Change Fellows.

Top Left: Priscila dos Reis Cunha

Top Right: Amir Gazar

Bottom Left: Luke Goodman

Bottom Right: Grace O'Malley

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Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · Jul 15

The #invasive Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) has been confirmed in Hedgesville, WV - just 25 miles from Frederick County, Virginia. This pest feeds on boxwood, an important plant in landscaping and nursery industries.

📸 Report suspicious caterpillars/moths to your local #Extension office

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Reposted by Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech

Global Change Center at Virginia Tech @globalchangevt.bsky.social · Jul 15

🐜 Ants vs. Spotted Lanternfly?

@vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social affiliate Dr. Scotty Yang is developing antDNA—a method using ants to detect invasive lanternflies before they’re seen.

Published in Pest Management Science + NeoBiota.

#GCCatVT #InvasiveSpecies

A surprising ally in the fight against the spotted lanternfly: Ants

Virginia Tech researchers can detect the presence of spotted lanternfly by testing ants who feed on the spotted lanternfly honeydew. The honeydew contains bits of lanternfly DNA, which entomologists…

news.vt.edu

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