Greeting from Executive Director, Rebecca Lord – Summer 2025

Dear Invasives Canada Members, Partners, and Supporters,

As summer comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on what our network has accomplished together over the past season. Across the country, our dedicated staff, Chapter teams, and partners have been tirelessly working to prevent the spread of invasive species in their respective provinces and territories.

August marked Tree Check Month, a reminder for us all to watch for signs of invasive pests in our urban and forest trees. At the same time, our Youth Eco Stewards program has been ramping up into full swing, engaging the next generation of environmental leaders in hands-on stewardship and education. We also launched three new websites —Wild Pigs Canada, Invasives Canada, and the Youth Eco Stewards sites— which are already serving as powerful tools to engage audiences nationwide. These efforts reflect the incredible energy and commitment of our staff, Chapters and partners across Canada.

As we move into fall, we encourage everyone to continue protecting our natural spaces by taking small but impactful actions. Whether hiking, walking your dog, or enjoying the season’s colours, remember to PlayCleanGo by checking your clothes, pets, and gear for plants, mud, and ticks. Always Clean Drain Dry your watercraft and equipment after time on the water. And with October as Firewood Month, it’s the perfect time to share the message of Buy Local, Burn Local —choosing local firewood helps protect forests, urban trees and communities from invasive pests.

Thank you for your continued dedication to keeping Canada’s lands and waters healthy and resilient across. Wishing you a safe, vibrant, and enjoyable fall season ahead.

Rebecca Lord,

Executive Director, Canadian Council on Invasive Species