iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

A new Southwest Virginia #PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) is bringing communities together to share knowledge, coordinate invasive species management, and work toward landscape-scale solutions 🌱🤝 forestupdate.frec.vt.edu/newsletter/a...

forestupdate.frec.vt.edu

Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) in Virginia

Global Change Center at Virginia Tech @globalchangevt.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Reposted by Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech

Congratulations to GCC affiliates Dr. Leigh-Anne Krometis and Dr. J. Leighton Reid, recipients of the 2025-26 CALS Research Excellence Awards. Krometis was honored for applied research and Reid for basic research. More: globalchange.vt.edu/news/news-st...

globalchange.vt.edu

GCC Faculty Honored with CALS Research Awards

GCC affiliates Leigh Anne Krometis and Leighton Reid earned the 2026 CALS Research Excellence Awards for outstanding achievements in basic and applied research.

031

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

The pests that surged across the United States in the 1990s weren’t brought back by international travelers. Their DNA shows they were here all along. Congrats to Dr. Warren Booth, Dr. Lindsay Miles, and the team on this cool research! news.vt.edu/articles/202...

Genetic study busts a decades-old myth about the U.S. bed bug comeback

Booth led the international team that looked into the genetic lineages of U.S., Canadian, and European bed bugs 10 years into their 1990s resurgence. Their study of 971 bed bugs in 109 populations aro...

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

This summer, an interdisciplinary graduate student team used support from the ICAT Roger and Debbie Weat Student Grant to transform Ailanthus altissima (Tree-of-Heaven), a damaging invasive species in Southwest Virginia, into ecologically safe, handmade art paper 📜🌱

000

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Come work at #VirginiaTech! The Department of Fish & Wildlife Conservation invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Wildlife Extension. And yes, #invasivespecies are part of the job description! 🐗🐟 Learn more 🔗 shorturl.at/h7wDE Review date 📅 10/15/2026

lnkd.in

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

000

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The ISC is excited to celebrate an incredible milestone: our 100th Affiliate! 🥳 Our Affiliate community brings together faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and staff from across Virginia Tech, representing all six colleges & 18 different academic units. Learn more! shorturl.at/Y2tfu ✨

020

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

The ISC enjoyed presenting to graduate students and faculty at the weekly Fish and Wildlife Noon Seminar (FAWNS). A big thank you to Dr. Robert Cooper for the invitation! 🐟🐗 #CNRE #VirginiaTech #InvasiveSpecies

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

The ISC recently hosted a Lunch & Learn with our inaugural Mentoring Program cohort! Attendees enjoyed lunch & had the opportunity to network with their small peer mentoring groups before transitioning into a panel discussion on building meaningful partnerships 🤓

032

Reposted by Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech

Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center @maisrc.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Great news! Thanks to a coordinated statewide effort, about one-third of documented invasive phragmites in #Minnesota are no longer detectable. With continued reporting, treatment, and community support, we can keep phragmites from taking over MN wetlands @startribune.com z.umn.edu/phragmites-s...

startribune.com

This invasive reed is spreading. Minnesota still has a chance to stop it.

A statewide effort is targeting invasive phragmites while infestations remain small enough to eliminate, giving Minnesota an opportunity few states still have.

094

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

New research examines how #stinkbugs are distributed in soybean fields across Virginia and North Carolina 🐛🌱 The findings offer insights into more efficient scouting and sampling strategies for soybean producers and crop consultants. 🔎 Read the full study: academic.oup.com/jee/advance-...

academic.oup.com

Stink bug spatial distribution and sampling optimization in North Carolina and Virginia soybeans

Abstract. Aggregated pest populations in crop fields pose a significant challenge for efficient detection and economic threshold decisions. Stink bugs are

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

The 2026 North American Invasive Species Management Association Annual Conference will be held on the East Coast this year in Alexandria, Virginia, and the ISC is co-hosting! 🤓✨ Agenda - shorturl.at/j34eB Register - shorturl.at/GG0lw

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

The ISC is thrilled to welcome Dr. Man Li to #VirginiaTech! ✨ Dr. Li has joined the Dept. of Agricultural & Applied Economics as an Associate Professor through the Invasive Species Collaborative’s ongoing cluster hire. You can learn more about Dr. Li’s background here ➡️ aaec.vt.edu/news/article...

aaec.vt.edu

Man Li Joins Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech

020

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

ISC Affiliate Dr. Hannes De Deurwaerder contributed an article to the Virginia Forestry Association’s magazine, #VirginiaForests! In the article, he discusses what lianas and vines are, their importance in forested ecosystems, and how to document champion lianas. 🍃🏆 🔗 shorturl.at/BgQdo

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

ISC Affiliates recently traveled to Guam for the kickoff meeting of a new SERDP-funded research project. The project aims to develop a multi-species management framework to suppress #invasive brown tree snake populations while supporting endangered species (incl. Guam rail & Mariana fruit bat) 🐍🦇

031

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

The ISC was well represented at the 2026 Ecological Society of America Conference! ✨ ☑️ Dr. Haldre Rogers received the Commitment to Human Diversity in Ecology Award ☑️ Dr. Claudia Nuñez-Penichet & Dr. João Vitor Messeder both presented on original #invasivespecies research

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

The ISC participated in a special session at #PlantHealth2026 that focused on forest health. The session demonstrated how cross-disciplinary groups strengthen our ability to detect, respond to, & manage forest health challenges through shared expertise and coordinated research 🌳🌲

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

From invasive ants and termites to mosquitoes and other urban pests, new findings highlight how human activity can create pathways for species movement, adaptation, and persistence 🌎 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

000

Reposted by Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech

Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center @maisrc.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

There's good news in the fight against invasive species! Thanks to a coordinated statewide effort, about one-third of Minnesota's documented invasive phragmites populations are no longer detectable. Read more from MAISRC researchers: www.startribune.com/this-invasiv... #invasivespecies

startribune.com

This invasive reed is spreading. Minnesota still has a chance to stop it.

A statewide effort is targeting invasive phragmites while infestations remain small enough to eliminate, giving Minnesota an opportunity few states still have.

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

The ISC's quarterly newsletter is out! Each edition shares important announcements, opportunities, events, and the latest research from #VirginiaTech. Summer newsletter ➡️ mailchi.mp/f46d83f33043...

000

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

How can scientists build trust with the public? A new study from Virginia Tech suggests that credibility isn't just about expertise - it's also about whether people believe scientists are motivated by the public good. news.vt.edu/articles/202...

Scientists’ credibility depends on audience and perceived motives

A new study identifies five audience "classes" based on people's perceptions of scientists’ credibility.

42910

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Undergrad researchers at #VirginiaTech recently conducted research to understand seed-dispersal networks of common fleshy-fruiting native and invasive plants in Virginia ... What do native wildlife prefer? 🫐🍒🍃 news.vt.edu/articles/202...

Undergraduate research in action: Liam Jawish

Undergraduate wildlife conservation student gains hands-on research experience studying how animals spread invasive plants, preparing for a career in conservation science.

000

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

The ISC had a great time at the VT College of Science Summer Camp! High school students rotated through stations on #invasivespecies: 👂 bioacoustics 🦞 crayfish (native vs invasive) 🌲 hemlock woolly adelgid & biocontrols 🍇 spotted lanternfly in VA 🦗 VT insect ID lab

Station on hemlock woolly adelgic biocontrols

Station on Virginia Tech's Insect ID Lab

020

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Researchers at #VirginiaTech are studying how beech bark disease (an invasive pest and pathogen) has affected an endangered salamander in southwestern Virginia 🦎 www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMhq...

youtube.com

Studying life at nearly a mile high

YouTube video by College of Natural Resources and Environment

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Scott Salom on receiving the L. O. Howard Distinguished Achievement Award from the Eastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America! A well-deserved honor recognizing major contributions to entomology 👏🌲

Tree-of-heaven in its native range, Japan

000

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

New research by ISC Affiliates shows drones can effectively deliver pheromone treatments to slow the spread of spongy moth - matching the performance of conventional aircraft while offering greater flexibility for hard-to-reach forests. 🌲🚁 Article 🔗 www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/17...

Unmanned aerial vehicle [agricultural drone sprayer M6E-X (Beijing TT Aviation Technology Ltd.)] equipped with Aksata (formerly Agridrones) Ointment Application System (white vertical tube) to apply SPLAT® SM-O.

000

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Can a fungal pathogen help manage one of North America's most problematic invasive trees? 🌳 A new study by ISC Affiliates examined the effectiveness of Verticillium nonalfalfae as a biological control agent for Ailanthus altissima (tree-of-heaven). 🔗 www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

tandfonline.com

Warm temperatures inhibit disease progression of Verticillium nonalfalfae in Ailanthus altissima, regardless of virulence

An isolate of the fungal pathogen Verticillium nonalfalfae sourced from infected Ailanthus altissima in Pennsylvania, USA (VnAa140) has demonstrated some variable efficacy as a bioherbicide, even t...

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Oak wilt research is underway in Texas! 🌳🍃 ISC members are collaborating with Jordan Thompson, a former ISC member and owner of JJ Mauget Co. to evaluate the effectiveness of Mauget fungicide treatments and injection technologies in managing oak wilt in live oaks.

000

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

PlayCleanGo® Awareness Week is happening now! The campaign encourages people to take simple actions that help prevent invasive species from spreading between trails, parks, waterways, forests, and other natural areas 🌄 Learn more & get involved here 🔗 playcleango.org/take-action/...

playcleango.org

PlayCleanGo Awareness Week - PlayCleanGo

Participate in events across the nation. Create positive outcomes in habitats.

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Running bamboo is a fast-growing, #invasive grass with a complex underground root system called rhizomes that can spread aggressively - up to 15 feet per year! Learn more about how Fairfax County, VA is working to prevent its spread: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfTK...

youtube.com

Running Bamboo: Avoid the fine, don’t let running bamboo grow beyond your property line.

YouTube video by Fairfax County Government

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

With summer around the corner, spotted lanternflies' eggs are about to hatch across several states. Experts say these bugs are sucking the life out of plants, including grapevines in Northern VA 🍇 www.youtube.com/watch?v=geGc... #LoudounInvasiveRemovalAlliance #ScrapeForTheGrape

000

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

The Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program recently visited the Forest Health Lab at #VirginiaTech. Dr. Carrie Fearer and the lab team shared how biological controls can be safely used to manage invasive species, such as autumn olive 🌿 🔗 shorturl.at/WtTC9

youtube.com

Fifteen Minutes in the Forest: Biological Controls for Biological Invasions

YouTube video by Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program

000

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Virginia landowners, check out this great cost-share program for treating emerald ash borer (administered by the Virginia Department of Forestry): dof.virginia.gov/forest-manag... Applications are being accepted April 20th thru June 18th, 2026 🌳

dof.virginia.gov

Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Cost-Share Program

Treating ash trees for this destructive non-native insect increases the chance of preserving genetic material of ash trees throughout the state. The Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Cost-Share Program can ...

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

A new study co-produced by ISC Affiliate Beth Nyboer highlights the value of traditional ecological knowledge among fishers in African Great Lakes 🐟🌿 Feat. invasive Nile perch and water hyacinth 🔗 shorturl.at/NW6PD

A screenshot of images from the mentioned article. Figure 2: Migingo Island: geopolitical and ecological hotspot. Figure 3: Plastic debris on Bamgot Beach, Muhuru Bay.

100

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Congratulations to ISC Director, Dr. Jacob Barney, for receiving Virginia Tech's prestigious Frontier Award! Dr. Barney studies the causes, impacts, spread, and management of #invasive plant species. Read the full article here 🔗 news.vt.edu/articles/202...

Dr. Jacob Barney received Virginia Tech's prestigious Frontier Award

071

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

The Natural Areas Association recently hosted Dr. Scott Salom (ISC Affiliate) for a presentation on the research and management of the #invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) 🌲 Watch the full webinar 🔗 www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuI1...

001

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

The ISC had a great time hosting Dr. Deah Lieurance and Dr. David Schmale for our fourth webinar of the year. Deah and David welcomed over sixty participants and shared valuable insights on: invasion pathways, horizon scanning, agricultural biosecurity, & real-world applications! 🚢🌏

Screenshot of a slide from Dr. Deah Lieurance's presentation featuring "organisms in trade".

Screenshot of a slide from Dr. David Schmale's presentation featuring "detecting unknown plant pathogens".

042

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Students from Southwest Virginia learned about #invasive species and their far-ranging impacts at "Hokie for a Day". Thank you to the Center for Educational Networks and Impacts (Virginia Tech Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology) for hosting such an engaging event! 🐛🪳

A table prepped for an educational activity

Students working on an educational activity

Student drawings, featuring a mute swan, red imported fire ant, spotted lanternfly, and callery pear

Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech @vt-invasivespecies.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

VT's College of Natural Resources & Environment recently hosted its annual Spring Awards Celebration, honoring exceptional accomplishments by students, faculty, staff, and alumni 🏆 Several ISC Affiliates were recognized! Learn more here: news.vt.edu/articles/202...