Invasive Species Scavenger Hunt

The Pennsylvania iMapInvasives Program will once again be hosting its annual “Invasive Species Scavenger Hunt” 
During the month of August, challenge yourself to identify, search for, and report your findings of five invasive species as part of a special statewide event. A webinar training on Tuesday, July 30 at 11am will highlight the checklist of species and explain how to report observation data to iMapInvasives. After the webinar concludes, resources will be provided to participants on how to identify each of the five species as well as the habitats they reside in.  For reference, this year’s species list will include: 

Bamboo (any variety) (Phyllostachys/Pseudosasa spp.)

Swallow-wort (any species) (Cynanchum spp.) (syn. Vincetoxicum spp.)

Hammerhead worms (any species) (Bipalium spp.)

English ivy (Hedera helix)

Black jetbead (Rhodotypos scandens)

Participants will be given the entire month of August to search in their local natural areas and document their findings in iMapInvasives for these species, including both presence and absence findings. All participants who complete their checklist (i.e., report at least one presence/absence record in iMapInvasives for each of the five species) will be entered into a drawing to win a prize package of outdoor-related gear and an invasive species field guide. Three lucky people will be randomly chosen as the winners of this year’s event. 
If you’re interested in participating as an on-the-ground surveyor, register to attend the July 30 webinar session. Can’t attend live? Register, and after the webinar you will receive a link to watch the webinar at your convenience.
Register for the 2024 Invasive Species Scavenger Hunt.