Invasive Species

PlayCleanGo Week 2026: "We Protect the Places We Love"

In a seasonal community like Jackson Hole, outdoor recreation is in our DNA. From trail walks, mountain biking, and climbing in the spring to skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in the winter—our great outdoors brings us (and countless visitors) together. But all that fun also carries the risk of spreading invasive species.That’s why we invite you to join us in celebrating PlayCleanGo Week with us from June 6–13, 2026. This year’s theme, “We protect the places we love,” is a reminder that small, everyday actions can make a big difference for the long-term health of our lands and waterways. We’ll be sharing tips all week so you can learn the best ways to recreate responsibly!

Weed of the Month: Phragmites australis subsp. australis

Phragmites might sound like a small bug, but this towering wetland grass is a big threat to Teton County. Also known as common reed, Phragmites australis subsp. australis is a perennial grass that grows in wet places like marshes, pond edges, ditches, and riparian corridors.To complicate things even more, native subspecies of phragmites (Phragmites australis subsp. americanus) look just like the invasive version and are vital to the health of our environments. Luckily, we’re fighting back with the power of science.

Weed of the Month: Poison Hemlock

For this Weed of the Month, we’re talking about poison hemlock. This invasive weed is pretty, prolific, and (surprise, surprise) poisonous! A member of the carrot family, this biennial loves to show up where we live and play, spreading quietly into problem patches for pets, livestock, and loved ones. Unlike carrots, this one is no good in stew.

NISAW: Defending Our Health By Stopping the Spread

Invasive species are a worldwide threat, posing danger not just to wildlife and our environment, but to agriculture, economies, and our very health. National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is an annual campaign led by The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) that’s dedicated to shining a spotlight on the widespread damage caused by invasive species and how we can work together to stop them.

Diversifying the Capacity of the District’s Lab to Provide Genetic Identification of Invasive Plants

Historically, the Teton County Weed and Pest Lab served primarily the vector surveillance side — the PEST side — of Weed & Pest. A vital component of any effective vector surveillance program is, of course, species identification (microscopy). At one point, that was the lab’s primary function. As my colleague Mikenna Smith, Entomologist at TCWP, likes to say, the lab was once “a closet with a microscope.” But over time, Mikenna transformed that closet into a functioning laboratory — evolving it to meet the growing needs of a modern vector surveillance program. This included adding qPCR-based pathogen testing and implementing a tick surveillance program.

2025 End of Season Tick Surveillance Report + Understanding and Tackling Knowledge Gaps Surrounding Ticks in Wyoming

Thank you to Mikenna Smith, our staff entomologist, and Kelsey Mitchell, our staff biologist, for their contributions to the JH Wildlife Symposium presentation, 2025 Tick Surveillance results, and this article.

Weed vs. Invasive Plant

We’re often asked: what’s the difference between weeds and invasive plants? They’re both unwanted, often tough to remove, and we offer tips for control and extermination for both. With so many overlaps, it can be confusing to tell the difference. We’re here to help spell out what makes a weed a weed, what makes an invasive plant an invader, and how to tell the difference.

Weed of the Month: Scentless Chamomile

For this Weed of the Month, we’re sniffing out an invasive pest that’s all looks, no substance: scentless chamomile. Despite its looks, this weed is no daisy: it can harm livestock and overtake areas if left unchallenged.

Weed of the Month: Common Mullein

We’re highlighting an uncommon annoyance for this Weed of the Month: the common mullein. This invasive plant grows big and tall, spreading countless long-lived seeds that can outcompete native plants. Fighting an infestation can be tough, but we know how to give you an edge.