National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is being celebrated this week, February 22—26, 2021. NISAW is a nationwide event to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat that they pose, and what people can do to prevent their spread. UNH Cooperative Extension’s Forestry and Wildlife Program focuses a great deal of time and effort on educating landowners and communities about invasive species, and helping them figure out how to manage invasive species. Everyone can play a role in managing invasive species. Here are some ways you can help.
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Learn about invasive insects impacting New Hampshire’s forests by visiting www.NHBugs.org. If you find a tree with signs of a pest or see something suspicious, take pictures and report it.
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Don’t move firewood. Instead, burn it where you buy it. Invasive insects are transported by humans, often in firewood. Find more information at DontMoveFirewood.org.
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Volunteer to help remove invasive species from public lands and important natural areas. Nature Groupie maintains a list of upcoming events.
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Go for a walk. When you’re walking on the road or hiking in the woods, look for signs of invasive insects. Here are tips to identify the presence of emerald ash borer and hemlock woolly adelgid, two pests of concern in New Hampshire.
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If you're planning to plant in your yard this year, choose native species. For trees, consider their susceptibility to invasive insects.
