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In the battle to preserve agriculture and the environment, Ben Shrader is Luke Skywalker and invasive species are Darth Vader. Ben, a young man from central Texas, first became interested in invasive species after reading a newspaper article about plants wreaking havoc on native ecosystems. Also...

This is a special year for USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Not only are we celebrating USDA’s 150 th anniversary, but we are also commemorating our own 40 th anniversary. Through the years, it’s likely you’ve heard about or witnessed firsthand some of APHIS’ activities, or...

Since 1912, the beautiful pink and white blossoms of the Tidal Basin’s Japanese cherry trees have been one of our national Capital’s most iconic images. For Washingtonians, cherry blossoms herald the beginning of spring and a reprieve, albeit brief, between frosty winter weather (although this...

April flowers and fresh spring foliage beckon us outside to enjoy a picnic, hike, or gardening project. But we're not the only ones being beckoned. Invasive pests are also coming out. They're hungry, and your state is on their menu. That's why USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS...

Most people are familiar with the weekly summer ritual of mowing the lawn. At best, the smell of fresh cut grass is appealing, but often the task is considered time consuming, tiring and expensive. What if your “lawn” was actually hundreds of acres in size, and how often you mowed it, what type of...

Miscanthus giganteus was a tall, bothersome grass a few years back, a good privacy plant, but to some, just a weed. It could grow about anywhere, reaching heights of 12-15 feet, and do it perennially for 20 years or more. Some say Miscanthus giganteus had a bad reputation, but it doesn’t bother...

Thanks to everyone who reported suspected citrus disease on USDA’s updated Save Our Citrus online Report It form. We have now received submissions from every citrus-producing state in the country. Using this new reporting form, site visitors can compare their own citrus plants to photos of four very...

From a very humble start, National Invasive Species Awareness Week’s Kids’ Day has bloomed into an event featuring an invasive species magician, a 13-year old ‘invasive species hunter’ from Texas, and even Woodsy Owl from the Forest Service. The event, sponsored by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health...

For APHIS Wildlife Services employees Marie Griffin and Steve Baumann, being recognized as “Outstanding Performers” by the U.S. Air Force’s 55 th Wing is an honor. But the most rewarding feeling comes at the end of each work day, after none of the aircraft at Nebraska’s Offutt Air Force Base incurs...

Did you know that USDA helps in bringing Valentine’s Day cheer every year? With the help of Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, USDA’s Animal and Plant health Inspection Service (APHIS) safely imports millions of cut flowers into the US free from harmful plant pests and...