Learn more about invasive species in 2022 by joining webinar series

If understanding invasive species and their impacts on the environment is on your to-do list this year, Michigan’s free NotMISpecies webinar series makes it easy to accomplish. One information-packed hour each month can provide insights into the people, technologies and programs at work across the state to identify, prevent and control invasive species.

Tuning into live events provides the opportunity to get answers to your questions from experts in the field. If you have a busy schedule, previous NotMISpecies webinars are available for viewing on your own time. Recorded versions are available at Michigan.gov/EGLEEvents under “Featured Webinar Series.”

Register for these upcoming sessions by following the link in each webinar title.

Welcome in the new year with a “Dive into the Gene Pool” (9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25), where we will examine the emerging use of environmental DNA to detect invasive carp and other aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes and connecting waters. Join Nick Frohnauer of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Kim Scribner and John Robinson from Michigan State University as they share how it works, when and where this tool is most effective, and what’s on the horizon for eDNA in Michigan’s invasive species detection efforts.

“The AIS-Team” (9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16) explores conservation officers’ role in preventing invasive species introductions. Join Cpl. Nick Torsky of the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division’s Great Lakes Enforcement Unit to learn about enforcing boating and bait-related regulations, oversight of Michigan’s organisms-in-trade, interagency cooperation across the Great Lakes basin and some recent investigations that highlight the DNR’s enforcement efforts.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program, a collaborative effort of the departments of Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Agriculture and Rural Development, coordinates and supports invasive species initiatives across the state and provides support through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.

/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.
eDNA sampling: The Michigan DNR collaborates annually with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to sample high-priority locations for the presence of bighead and silver carp genetic material. Photo courtesy of USFWS.

RSC import: Live red swamp crayfish, a prohibited species in Michigan, intercepted by DNR Law Enforcement Division. Photo courtesy of Michigan DNR./