Weekly Review for February 26, 2024

This informal report by the Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology is a commentary on insects, diseases, and curiosities division staff encounter on a week-to-week basis. Comments and questions about this report are welcome and can be sent to your respective Inspector.

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Kristy Stultz (Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer) - KStultz@dnr.IN.gov

February 25 thru March 2 is National Invasive Species Awareness Week! It’s also Indiana’s Invasive Species week. Follow along on Indiana DNR’s Facebook page this week as we talk about some of the effects of invasive species in Indiana.

During this week each year, organizations attempt to share information about the impacts, how to prevent the introduction of, and how to control invasive species. While DEPP often uses this week to focus on invasive plants, it’s important to remember there are many invasive insects, diseases, and animals that have been introduced to the United States.

Need some suggestions for celebrating Invasive Species Week?

• Now is a great time to check hemlock trees for possible hemlock woolly adelgid infestations or to look for spongy moth or spotted lanternfly egg masses.
• Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) are grass roots organizations that work on local invasive species projects. Get in touch with your local CISMA and check out their next meeting or Weed Wrangle. 
• Take a moment to learn something new about invasive species. Check out Purdue’s Invasive Species YouTube playlist for a great place to start.   The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) is also hosting a series of workshops and seminars this week. 

Don’t hesitate to contact your local inspector or send an email to DEPP@dnr.IN.gov if you have  specific questions.

No reports this week

Eric Biddinger (Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer) - EBiddinger@dnr.IN.gov

Vince Burkle (Assistant Division Director & Nursery Inspector) - VBurkle@dnr.IN.gov

Megan Abraham (Division Director & State Entomologist) - MAbraham@dnr.IN.gov

Eric Bitner (Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer) - EBitner@dnr.IN.gov

Kallie Bontrager (Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer) - KBontrager@dnr.IN.gov

Will Drews (Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer) - WDrews@dnr.IN.gov

Ren Hall (Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer) - RHall@dnr.IN.gov

Phil Marshall (State Forest Health Specialist) - PMarshall@dnr.IN.gov

Angela Rust (Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer) - ARust@dnr.IN.gov

Bonnie Spindler (Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer) - BSpindler@dnr.IN.gov

Jared Spokowsky (Nursery Inspetor & Compliance Officer) - Jspokowsky@dnr.IN.gov

Caydee Terrell (Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer) - CTerrell@dnr.IN.gov

Diane Turner (Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer) – DTurner2@dnr.IN.gov

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