Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health

🎖️ Unlock the 2026 Joro Watch badge! Report a Joro spider spotting using or the EDDMapS app during October 12-18. Participate in this citizen science effort, provide valuable data, and earn a digital badge.

Save the dates from October 12–18 and prepare to report your Joro spider sightings while showcasing your photography skills. To keep informed about contest specifics, rules, and updates, make sure to follow us and check out

🕷️ Your Spidey senses are tingling... but can you spot the invasive imposter? Some invasive species are expert look-alikes. Test your identification skills, then help protect Georgia by reporting invasive species with @EDDMapS. #SpideySensesActivated #InvasiveSpecies

Earth Day is a living mosaic 🦅🦋🐢🌲🐸 From sky riders to swamp singers, every native thread keeps the ecosystem stitched together. Happy Earth Day! Protect what belongs, prevent what disrupts 🌎✨

See how Bugwood Tools are supporting education, outreach, research, and management programs at the virtual Bugwood Summit. Explore updates to Bugwood Images, EDDMapS, Wild Spotter, and Connect, and see examples of “Bugwood Tools in Action.” April 16, 2-5 pm EDT. Register Now!

Join us for the Bugwood Summit on April 16, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:30 PM EDT! This session will explore how to effectively integrate Bugwood Tools into your program—offering practical solutions for your everyday tasks. 👉 Don’t forget to register

From 2.7 million website visitors to more than 950,000 EDDMapS reports, 2025 reflected the continued commitment of our partners, contributors, and community. Thank you for being part of the work. We look forward to what we will accomplish in 2026.

This week, we’re spotlighting invasive species found across the U.S. and sharing why early detection and rapid response matter for protecting our forests, waters, and wildlife. Healthy ecosystems start in our own backyards. #NISAW2026 #EDDMapS

Join us for the Bugwood Summit on April 16, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:30 PM. This session focuses on integrating Bugwood Tools into your program—practical solutions tailored for your real-world tasks. 👉 Don’t forget to register: Visit to secure your spot!

Swiped right on invasive species as a joke. Turns out they spread fast, cause real damage, and are incredibly hard to get rid of. Don’t ghost sightings - report it to EDDMapS. 📲

Invasive species can take over wetlands, making them unhealthy for native species survival. Sign up for a Weed Wrangle, volunteer workday, or an invasive species removal event near you to make a real impact. Because wetlands need allies, not invaders. 🌿

Find it. Map it. Track it. These maps illustrate the spread of key invasive species, utilizing real-time reports from EDDMapS. Explore the maps, download the app, and report sightings year-round to support early detection, research, and management. 🔗

🕒 Bugwood Office Hours are happening today! Today’s topic: Bugwood Summit 2026: What To Look Forward To & Why Save a Seat We’re breaking down highlights, sneak peeks, and all the reasons to get it on your calendar now. Registration required. 👉

New year, healthier ecosystems. 🌿 Small actions make a big difference. From cleaning your boots to planting natives and reporting invasives, these are resolutions that really matter. Get started by 📲 downloading an app. #EDDMapS #WildSpotter

Happy Holidays from the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at UGA! Wishing you a joyful season and a new year full of healthy ecosystems and mindful stewardship. Thank you for helping us protect our natural landscapes from invasive species.

We look forward to serving our Bugwood community in 2026! 🗓️ Background Image: Camphortree. Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Report and learn more! ➡️Search camphortree at

Holiday hikes, winter trails, and wild places still need our eyes. Monitor for invasive species and report any sightings during your outdoor adventures. 📱Download EDDMapS: 📱Wild Spotter: Help protect the places you love.

📢 Join us for Bugwood Office Hours this Friday and get expert instruction from our team! Friday, March 21st, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. EDT. Register at: 🔗 🔗 🔗

🌿 This past Saturday, we had an incredible time at our Weed Wrangle at ABAC’s Georgia Museum’s nature trail! Volunteers from several organizations and community members helped tackle invasive species and restored this beautiful trail. 💪🌱 #WeedWrangle #InvasiveSpeciesRemoval

🚨Join us THIS Saturday for our Invasive Species Removal Day! Pack a cooler 🫗 and wear sturdy shoes 🥾 and pants. Free Registration: #WeedWrangle #Volunteer #InvasiveSpecies #Conservation #CommunityService