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Press Release: New eDNA Tool Can Detect Invasive Rodents Within an Hour
New environmental DNA technology can help protect vulnerable island ecosystems from destructive invasive species.
Looking to make an impact this Earth Month? Here’s how.
Published on
February 21, 2018
Written by
Island Conservation
Photo credit
Island Conservation
For Immediate Release
WESTMINSTER, Colorado – February 20, 2018
Ready to sharpen your knowledge about invasive species and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems? You’ll have a great opportunity during National Invasive Species Awareness Week, scheduled for February 26-March 2, 2018. The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) is among the sponsors of the week-long event.
“Invasive weeds alone represent a multibillion dollar drain on our economy annually,” says Lee Van Wychen, Ph.D., science policy director of WSSA. “It’s important to educate ourselves so we can take fast and appropriate action throughout the year to protect native species from unwanted invaders.”
Many learning opportunities are planned during the weeklong awareness event, offering lots of opportunities for becoming involved.
Attend a Capitol Hill Seminar
Four noontime seminars will be offered in Washington, D.C.:
Join an Online Webinar
The National Association of Invasive Plant Councils (NAIPC) will offer a number of informative afternoon webinars on invasive species management, including:
Attend an Agency Fair
On Wednesday evening, February 28, there will be an agency fair and reception for federal agencies and other organizations involved in invasive species management. The event is scheduled for 4:30-7:30 p.m. in Room 2043-4 of the Rayburn House Office Building.
Find or Plan a Local Event
Additional educational resources and details on both national and local activities are available at www.nisaw.org. You will even find an online toolkit to help you plan an event in your own community.
About the Weed Science Society of America
The Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific society, was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment. The Society promotes research, education and extension outreach activities related to weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers, fosters awareness of weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems, and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world. For more information, visit www.wssa.net.
Press Contact:
Lee Van Wychen
Science Policy Director, National & Regional Weed Science Societies
Lee.VanWychen@wssa.net
202-746-4686
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