In 2002, the United States Department of Agriculture awarded a grant to the New England Wild Flower Society, the University of Connecticut, and the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, to track the distribution and spread of over 100 invasive plant species throughout New England.

NEWFS' role is to identify, recruit, train, and coordinate 450 volunteers. Volunteers will collect information that will become part of the Invasive Plant Atlas of New England (IPANE) at the University of Connecticut. The data in IPANE will appear on the Internet for use in early detection of problem species, research, and to aid in decision making on how to control invasive species, slow their spread, and reduce their impact on our native flora.

The Invasive Plant Atlas of New England is a web accessible atlas of invasive plant species for the New England area. The atlas will support early detection and rapid response of invasive plant species.

Included in the Atlas are images of, and descriptive data about, invasive plants, and a collection database documenting the existence and spread of those species in the New England area. Additionally, maps and other GIS data for current plant distribution and chronological changes are planned.

The Atlas is intended to provide public access to an online interactive resource of regionally invasive vascular plants, including both historic and current data. The Atlas will provide an extremely effective tool for students and researchers, land managers, conservationists, scientists, government agencies, the nursery industry, and the interested public.

People interested in volunteering for the Invasive Plant Survey should contact Ted Elliman by e-mail, or 508/877-7630, ext. 3203.