Our lakes and rivers are under attack by zebra mussels, a destructive invasive species that harms aquatic life, damages boats and even affects your water supply. Currently, Lake Texoma, Ray Roberts, Lewisville, Bridgeport, Belton and Lavon are already infested--and without your help, zebra mussels could spread throughout the state.

Prevent the spread of zebra mussels by following these steps: Clean off any vegetation, mud or foreign objects on the boat, trailer or your gear before you leave the lake. Drain all the water from the boat. Dry the boat and trailer for a week or more before entering another water body.

Effective July 1, all boaters statewide must drain all water from their vessel, including live wells, bilges, motors, and any other receptacles, before approaching or leaving a water body. This applies to all types and sizes of boats used on public waters.

To get the word out, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and its partners will be installing stencils at lakes and boat launches, displaying billboards, advertising at gas stations within a 12-mile radius around each of the infested lakes, placing radio ads (click to listen!), placing digital ads on many apps and websites and also distributing printed materials to boaters and anglers. 

City of Seguin and Master Naturalists Wage War on Invasives
The City of Seguin and Texas Master Naturalists of Guadalupe County chapter are working together to remove bamboo, Chinaberry, Ligustrum species and other invasive species from a newly acquired 47-acre park. The partnership will clear invasive species from the dense woodlands, creating a healthy habitat for wildlife and park visitors. Read more in the Seguin Gazette. 

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Provides Assistance to Pull Together
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has released a Request For Proposals for the 2014 cycle of the Pulling Together Initiative. The initiative is one of the only public-private partnerships to address invasive weeds nationally. Learn more at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Blog Investigates Invasive Plant Volunteer Programs Around World
Invasive Plant News queried various list-serves around the world for examples of volunteer-based early detection and rapid response programs. The response was phenomenal and provides an interesting view into how different areas are addressing these issues. Read more at Invasive Plant News.

Citizen Scientist of the Month
Karen Treu

Karen Treu became interested in invasive plants after a training by the Alamo Area Master Naturalists in fall of 2012. She later attended an Invaders of Texas Citizen Scientist workshop sponsored by the Balcones Invaders satellite group.

Since then, Karen has worked on invasive species removal in many San Antonio parks and natural areas. As she drove to different events she became increasingly aware of the presense of these plants in her home neighborhood.

Karen has since focused on her community of Hollywood Park, a residential community with large lots, an abundance of trees and many natural areas along creeks. In these areas she has submitted observations for many species, such as giant reed, Chinaberry, Vinca, Nandina domestica and others. Karen has now been working with the Hollywood Park council persons and tree committee members to start addressing the problems she has identified.
 
Keep up the great work Karen, you are doing excellent work bettering your community!

If you would like to highlight a successful invasive species project or nominate a special person to be highlighted in an upcoming iWire, please send the details to iwire@texasinvasives.org.

Sentinel Pest Network and Invaders of Texas Species Workshops

Invaders of Texas workshops train volunteers to become citizen scientists to detect and report invasive species. Workshops include information on the Sentinel Pest Network which serves to increase the awareness of early detection of Emerald Ash Borer, Cactus Moth, Asian Longhorned Beetle, and other pests of regulatory significance.

Workshops are tailored to meet the interests of your volunteer group, and supplementary session examples include an introduction to the TX Invaders mobile application and the Eradicator Calculator, a feature on Texasinvasives.org designed to help organize and track volunteer-based eradication efforts.