New IISG WATCH Card Features Two Invasive Plants

Posted March 12th, 2009 in Aquatic Invasive Species, News

IISG recently released a new WATCH card featuring two new invasive species—the Brazilian elodea and hydrilla. These costly noxious weeds have been invading and causing harm in parts of the U.S.

“They have the potential to crowd out native species, alter habitat, and hinder recreational activities such as boating and fishing,” said IISG aquatic invasives extension associate Kristin TePas.

Costs have quickly added up in Indiana in efforts to control these invaders. According to TePas, in 2006 an infestation of hydrilla was found in a 735-acre lake that is expected to cost the state $1.5 million to remove. This followed a previous infestation of Brazilian elodea in a 109-acre impoundment, which cost the state $135,000 to eradicate.

Both hydrilla, native to Asia, and Brazilian elodea found their way into U.S. waters through aquarium trade. Recently these plants have been spread to new waters via boats and recreational equipment and as a hitchhiker on other plant materials.

Boaters and anglers can help by regularly cleaning their boat equipment when they leave a water body and by reporting any sightings. Hobbyists can help by purchasing plants other than Brazilian elodea and disposing of unwanted aquarium and water garden plants in the trash rather than nearby water bodies.

The new WATCH card provides a brief description of the plants as well as illustrations and a photograph of the two species. It also includes a clear description of how to tell them apart from native elodeas, as they are similar in appearance. The card also provides useful information to help prevent the spread of these invaders and what to do to report a new sighting.

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Some partnerships just make sense. Happy Valentine’s Day from IISG! 💕

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Some partnerships just make sense. Happy Valentine’s Day from IISG! 💕

This February marks a major milestone: 30 years of aquatic invasive species outreach by our team! To celebrate, IISG Director, Stuart Carlton, and Strategic Communication Coordinator, Renie Miles, sat down for a Sea Grant Chat with two key figures in IISG’s AIS history: Pat Charlebois, our assistant director and program leader, who spent over two decades leading our prevention efforts, and Katie O’Reilly, who took over that role in 2022. We discussed the evolution of the invasive species issue in the Great Lakes, the shift toward understanding human behavior, and the creative strategies that make this team so effective.

Dive into the full interview at the link in bio.

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Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 18053780390453750
This February marks a major milestone: 30 years of aquatic invasive species outreach by our team! To celebrate, IISG Director, Stuart Carlton, and Strategic Communication Coordinator, Renie Miles, sat down for a Sea Grant Chat with two key figures in IISG’s AIS history: Pat Charlebois, our assistant director and program leader, who spent over two decades leading our prevention efforts, and Katie O’Reilly, who took over that role in 2022. We discussed the evolution of the invasive species issue in the Great Lakes, the shift toward understanding human behavior, and the creative strategies that make this team so effective. Dive into the full interview at the link in bio.

Introducing the Lake Michigan Explorer!
Start exploring the varied factors that impact the Great Lakes with our Explorer Series. This searchable database of external resources can help you find hands-on activities that spark curiosity and inspire action.

✨ What’s inside?
Lesson plans, fact sheets, and reading materials
Engaging videos and visualizations
Easy-to-use filters by grade level, topic, and time.
Perfect for classrooms and informal learning, this resource empowers students to become stewards of the Great Lakes.

🔗 in bio for more.

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Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 17993556791875462
Introducing the Lake Michigan Explorer! Start exploring the varied factors that impact the Great Lakes with our Explorer Series. This searchable database of external resources can help you find hands-on activities that spark curiosity and inspire action. ✨ What’s inside?Lesson plans, fact sheets, and reading materialsEngaging videos and visualizationsEasy-to-use filters by grade level, topic, and time.Perfect for classrooms and informal learning, this resource empowers students to become stewards of the Great Lakes.🔗 in bio for more.