Clemson University Invasive Species Program

09/03/2026

We are excited to participate in the 2nd Annual Golden Corner Native Plant Festival October 3rd from 10:00am-3:00pm! There will be speakers, vendors, and more. Come by and see us and support the education and conservation of native plants🌻More information can be found at https://www.farmoconee.org/golden-corner-native-plant-festival or in Helpful Links in our Bio.

09/03/2026

🌱 Pasture mealybug has arrived in Georgia, with the first confirmed detection reported in the southwest corner of the state.

UGA Extension forage specialists have been working around the clock to track the newly arrived pest and establish the best management options for Georgia producers.

Here's what you can do:

▪️ Clean farm and hay equipment between fields or farms.
▪️ Avoid unnecessary driving through pastures.
▪️ Change footwear and clothing after visiting a suspected infestation.
▪️ Keep grazing records and avoid moving livestock into or through affected pastures.
▪️ Limit traffic onto farms when possible.

➡️ More at the link in the comments!

09/02/2026

Join Us for South Carolina’s Largest Single-Day Clean-Up Event!🧹🌊
Help us make a difference in our community and protect the waterways we love!💙 In support of statewide efforts to reduce litter, Mount Pleasant will host a litter clean-up at Shem Creek Park on September 19 at 8:30 a.m. 🌿
As a participating location in South Carolina’s Beach/River Sweep, Mount Pleasant staff will once again lead a land-based litter sweep at Shem Creek Park. Volunteers will focus on removing trash from the marsh and surrounding areas to help protect the health of our estuary ecosystem. 🐢🦀🌱

We’ll provide the supplies you need, including:
• 🦯 Litter pickers
• 🦺 Safety vests
• 🧤 Gloves
• 🗑️ Trash bags
• 🪏 Disposal of all collected litter
Volunteers should bring a reusable water bottle💧, sunscreen☀️, a hat🧢, and anything else they may need to stay comfortable outdoors for a few hours. Shem Creek Park also has restrooms 🚻, seating, and shaded areas🌳 available for volunteers.
📧To register or ask questions, please email [email protected]. Additional event details will be shared with registered volunteers as the event approaches.
🗑️Why Does Litter Matter in Mount Pleasant?
Litter isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a major source of pollution in Mount Pleasant’s stormwater system.🌧️ Unlike wastewater, stormwater is not treated before it reaches our waterways. That means litter that enters a storm drain can ultimately make its way into our creeks, marshes, and rivers. 🌊
By removing litter before it reaches our waterways, we can help protect local wildlife🐬, water quality💧, and the health of our coastal ecosystems🌿.
Whether you’re looking to earn service hours🎓 or simply want to help keep Mount Pleasant beautiful, this clean-up is a great opportunity to get involved!💚
🙌 Can’t Make It on September 19?
No problem! Mount Pleasant staff can help facilitate another clean-up event and provide supplies for your group to use.🧤🗑️
Together, we can keep Mount Pleasant clean, protect our waterways, and make a difference—one piece of litter at a time!💙🌎

09/02/2026

Fall meeting announcement

Announcement: Fall 2026 Virtual Member Meeting, Wednesday, September 30, 12pm-1pm

Part 3 of the Local Food Economy Series

Grown in SC, Sold in SC:
Selling Locally Grown Products at Grocery Stores

The South Carolina Food Systems Network (SCFSN) will be hosting its Fall virtual member meeting on Wednesday, September 30 from 12pm-1pm.

We are thrilled to host two South Carolina grocers as our panelists:

Justin Roller: Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery
Greenville, SC

Warren Jeffords: Piggly Wiggly
Lamar, SC

Justin and Warren will talk through their successes and challenges of selling South Carolina grown food from in grocery stores.

The “Local Food Economy Series” of SCFSN member meetings in 2026 present the perspectives of producers, distributors, and consumers of local food in South Carolina in our current food environment.

Only members receive a registration link for member meetings. If you wish to become a member, or if you are uncertain if you are a member, all you need to do is submit a membership form on our website by clicking on the link below:

https://www.scfoodsystemsnetwork.org/become-member

08/31/2026

August is Tree Check Month! 🌳🔍

Take 10 minutes to walk around your yard and look at your trees for signs of the Asian longhorned beetle. This destructive invasive pest threatens our maples, birches, willows, and other favorite trees. Look for round exit holes (about the size of a dime), shallow divots in the bark, where the beetle lays its egg (may weep sap), sawdust‑like shavings on the ground or around tree bases, the beetle itself (shiny black with white spots and long antennae). If you see something unusual, report it right away to your state plant health officials. You can help protect America’s trees!

Learn more at www.AsianLonghornedBeetle.com

08/31/2026

08/30/2026

Students, we will be back at the upcoming CAFLS Career Fair on September 30th, at 1:00 pm in the Madren Conference Center! Make sure to stop by our booth to learn about our internship and full-time positions. We can't wait to CU there🐅.

Follow this link for more details: https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/student-experience/career/students/career-fair.html, or check Helpful Links in our bio.

08/28/2026

Tree Check Month is a great reminder to check your trees for invasive pests and damage. The Spotted Lanternfly lays its eggs on trees and other hard surfaces; most egg masses appear to be a tan/brown color once dried, and older masses will appear gray. Report any life stage to clemson.edu/invasives.

Video Credit: Heather Leach

08/27/2026

We are a week out from P*e Dee Rec Field Day! This event combines self-guided and coordinated activities on a wide range of agronomy topics. This event is a special way for researchers, students, growers, and more to learn together. For more information, navigate here https://events.clemson.edu/event/25241-field-day-2026 or to the Helpful Links in our bio.

08/26/2026

Spotted lanternflies, accidentally introduced to the U.S. in 2014, are munching their way through the Northeast and Midwest. These invasive insects pose a serious threat to farmers' crops and the wine industry, potentially costing some state economies over half a billion dollars. While some people are still squashing them on sight, others are turning to a more unexpected ally to help stop the spread.

Learn more about the environmental impact of spotted lanternflies and what you should do if you see one: https://on.natgeo.com/Ay7OdU