NISAW 2022 – Lesser Celandine
NISAW 2022 – New Zealand Mudsnail
NISAW 2022 – English Ivy
Deer impact on native regeneration after invasive species removal
– Village of Arden Forest Committee – The Arden Woods is a New Castle County-designated Critical Natural Area and has been significantly impacted by the spread of invasive flora species. A recent increase in the local deer population compounds this problem. Deer browse preferentially on native species, giving the invasive species an advantage. Volunteers from the community donate many hours each year to the removal of invasive species. The specific objectives of this project are The Village of Arden Forest…
Cherry Hill Manor English Ivy and Vinca Abatement
– Cherry Hill Manor Maintenance Association – The Cherry Hill Manor townhouse community has open space is owned collectively by the 89 homes in the neighborhood and maintained via the Cherry Hill Manor Maintenance Association. This is a volunteer organization charged with collecting an annual assessment from homeowners and overseeing the upkeep of the commonly owned spaces. In 2020 the Association looked to expand their cleanup efforts to make areas more attractive for activities such as bike riding and walking…
Tree of Heaven Colony Removal, Treatment, and Post-Treatment
– Town of Magnolia, Delaware – The Town of Magnolia is targeting critical post-treatment of an invasive colony of Tree of Heaven trees in the heart of residential properties in the town. In April of 2021 the Town Council was informed about a colony of 15 fully-grown Tree of Heaven trees as well as saplings. The Council was briefed by University of Delaware Extension and Delaware Department of Agriculture and Council members decided to proactively prevent the further spread of…
Fowl Ticks
The fowl or poultry tick (Argas persicus) was newly detected in Delaware at a location in Kent County. This species, which is native to Asia but widely distributed around the world, is considered a major pest of poultry and linked to numerous avian health issues. This marks the first record of a soft tick (family Argasidae) in the state, with all other documented species being hard ticks (family Ixodidae). Poultry keepers are advised to monitor for tick infestations and report…
Zebra Mussels found on moss balls sold as aquarium plants
March 4, 2021: Zebra Mussels have been found attached to and inside of Betta Buddy Marimo Balls (moss balls) that are being sold in aquarium and pet shops. They were first reported in the state of Washington, but these moss balls are distributed across the U.S. and are being found in other states. They have not been found in Delaware yet, but it is important to keep an eye out. If you find Zebra Mussels in moss balls, please document…
NISAW 2020: Mute Swan
Today is the conclusion of Part I of National Invasive Species Awareness Week 2020. DISC’s last Invasive Species of the Day is the Mute Swan, a charismatic bird that many people don’t realize is an invasive species. Check out the fact sheet below, and be sure to share to help increase awareness! Part II of NISAW is May 16-23 , 2020.