For Early Detection: EDDMapS is the Best Tool

Every year new plants, diseases, insects and animals make their way to Wisconsin. The landscape or garden industry introduce dozens of new plants to our state every year. The vast majority of these never cause a problem to surrounding natural areas. However, when one of these new plants become a problem, early detection and control is essential. 

EDDMapS Midwest (formerly the Great Lakes Early Detection Network) is a collaboration of public and private groups working to rapidly respond to new invasive species sightings in the Great Lakes and Midwestern states (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, lowa, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio). Our statewide early detection group is the Wisconsin Early Detector Network.

University of Georgia – Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health developed the EDDMaps Midwest website, as well as smartphone and tablet apps making it easy to report locations of invasive species. Their software also includes an alert system that emails users when new sightings of invasive species are found.

A network of local professionals verifies reports of new invasive plants. Verified reports trigger notification of natural resource managers so they can control the new outbreak before it become a much bigger problem.

The website serves as a communication tool to facilitate volunteer networks. These partnerships make effective early detection and rapid response possible. It is both a reporting tool and a place for landowners to find out about new threats in time to quickly react before the new invader becomes a problem.

You can make a real difference by becoming a part of the Wisconsin Early Detector Network. In 2021, WIFDN volunteers surpassed 20,000 hours of service since their program began in 2014!