Bugwood Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

We’re grateful to be part of educational programs like this, helping our community explore what makes a species invasive and how to distinguish invasive, aggressive, and native species.

06/17/2026

Have you seen these little polka-dotted hoppers around lately? Mid-June is when Spotted Lanternfly nymphs are active and growing through several life stages before becoming the adults we see later in the summer.

These lanternflies make a mess. Trees ooze fluids from their feeding, and the insect excretes sugary fluids, causing sooty mold growth. They won’t bite, but they can be a nuisance by gathering in large numbers. You can help combat lanternflies by tracking this pest population.

If you spot one, here's what to do:
1. Take a photo
2. Kill the insect
3. Report here: https://warnell.cc/ReportSLF

Every report helps researchers track populations and protect vulnerable landscapes.


UGA Extension
University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

06/15/2026

See a sick or dead wild pig? Squeal on it! 🐗📍

Each report you submit helps create a clearer picture of where feral swine are located, their movements, and the potential diseases they may carry. This valuable information is not just stored away; it's actively utilized by researchers and land managers to gain insights into species spread, disease risks, and to support damage management.

You can easily report your findings on our website or by downloading the Squeal On Pigs!® app at squealonpigs.com.

More reports lead to better data. Better data means informed decisions, which ultimately helps safeguard our land, wildlife, and livestock.

06/15/2026

When it comes to New World screwworms, we all know animal surveillance is a big deal…but what exactly are you looking for? Keep your eyes on the prize and report any of the following suspicions to the TAHC or your private veterinarian.

Stay updated and informed here: https://bit.ly/TAHC-NWS

06/13/2026

Happy National Get Outdoors Day! 🌲🥾☀️

There’s no better time to step outside, hit the trail, paddle a river, or explore a place you’ve never visited before. Time outdoors helps us connect with nature and reminds us why protecting our wild spaces matters.

Looking for an extra incentive to venture outdoors? Today, the U.S. Forest Service is waiving standard day-use recreation fees at most national forests and grasslands, making it easier than ever to enjoy public lands and explore the amazing places waiting just beyond the trailhead.

Even better, the National Park Service , Bureau of Land Management , U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service , and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters will host a Fee-Free Day on Sunday, Flag Day.

Two great opportunities to get outside and enjoy public lands.

As you explore, help protect these spaces by keeping an eye out for invasive species and reporting them through Wild Spotter (wildspotter.org), so land managers can respond quickly and maintain healthy ecosystems.

Where will your next adventure take you? 🌿

06/11/2026

New to Connect or need help getting your account set up?

Join us tomorrow, June 12, from 1:00-3:00 PM ET for a free Connect Office Hours session focused on Connect Collaborations. We'll walk through creating a new Collaboration and member on-boarding. Plus, if you have Collaboration questions, we'll answer those, too!

✅ Free to attend
✅ Live support and Q&A
✅ Registration required

Register today: bugwood.org/office-hours

06/10/2026

We’re in this together when it comes to New World screwworm. Here's a great downloadable fact sheet from the Livestock industry that is relevant to us all.

Looking for a great reference on New World Screwworm? Download a FREE copy of this New World Screwworm fact sheet today!

8.5” x 11” pdf:https://www.americanlivestock.org/s/ALMDA-Poster-x11-NWS-2.pdf

24” x 36” pdf:https://www.americanlivestock.org/s/ALMDA-Poster-24-x-36-NWS-9.pdf

Image-only: https://www.americanlivestock.org/s/ALMDA-Poster-24-x-36-NWS-2.png

06/10/2026

Every hike leaves a footprint. What we carry away matters too.

After hitting the trail, take a few minutes to clean your boots, trekking poles, and other gear. Mud, seeds, and tiny organisms can hitch a ride to the next trail, spreading invasive species to places they don't belong.

PlayCleanGo Awareness Week is a reminder that stewardship doesn't end at the trailhead. A quick scrub with a boot brush today helps protect the wild places we love for tomorrow. 🥾🌿

06/09/2026

🚨 Attention: The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of New World screwworm in the United States. The importance of accurate information, observation, and reporting is at an all-time high. USDA has several resources available to help us win the War on Screwworm.

Where to Report - https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm/report-suspected-cases-screwworm

Current Status - https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/current-status?page=1

USDA New World Screwworm Response Playbook - https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-releases-updated-new-world-screwworm-response-playbook

For further information, visit WWW.SCREWWORM.GOV