Spotted Lanternfly Workshop Recap: "Sniffing Out Invasive Species"

August 28, 2026

person in an orange long sleeve shirt, bucket hat, and grey pants kneels over a cut stalk of tree of heaven in a field

Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission Stewardship Technician Travis Wilcox demonstrating invasive Tree of Heaven removal strategies

Photo credit: Terzah Hill, WCCD Staff

Greeted by a beautiful sunny summer day and a passionate crowd of participants, the Washtenaw County Conservation District, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, LongSnouts, and JLW CISMA joined forces on August 21st, 2026 to co-lead a workshop on the invasive species, Spotted Lanternfly, and its preferred host, the Tree of Heaven.

Presentations & Demonstrations

people seated in a room with their backs to the camera while watching a presentation being given on a tv screen

Dr. Shikha Singh, JLW CISMA Coordinator, giving a presentation on Spotted Lanternfly and Tree of Heaven

Photo credit: Terzah Hill, WCCD Staff

Participants kicked off the workshop with two presentations; the first, a presentation on spotted lanternfly, tree of heaven identification, life cycle, ecology, and management strategies, by JLW CISMA Coordinator Dr. Shikha Singh, and the second, a presentation on the impacts of spotted lanternfly, risks to Michigan agriculture, and resources, by WCCD Community Forester, Matt DeJonge & Owner and Trainer of LongSnouts, Hannah Ashmore.

a person in a blue tshirt and shorts and a treat fanny pack stands in a field with a brown and white spotted dog on a leash that is waiting for a treat

Hannah Ashmore of LongSnouts introducing the scent dogs for invasive species tracking

Photo credit: Terzah Hill, WCCD Staff

After a casual lunch, participants transitioned over to Reith Fields, hiking out to tree of heaven locations in Park Lyndon North. A demonstration by owner and trainer of LongSnouts, Hannah Ashmore, showcased the training of dogs to track the scent of larval Spotted Lanternfly, aiding in time-efficient removal and Tree of Heaven identification across large landscapes.

group of people stand together in a field facing the camera with a large branch of tree of heaven

Representatives from partnering organizations

Photo credit: Terzah Hill, WCCD Staff

The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission Stewardship Technician Travis Wilcox presented Tree of Heaven removal strategies to reduce the spread of Spotted Lanternfly, with a special focus on herbicide application solutions and tree girdling. The Washtenaw County Conservation District's Resource Specialist, Doug Reith, highlighted several conservation tools available to county residents through the Washtenaw Tool Bank Collective to aid in invasive species removal, including the popular Pullerbears.

Thank you for an impactful day - keep up the good work!

a large group of people stands in a clearing of a field with one dog and a cutting of Tree of Heaven

Workshop leaders and participants - thank you all who attended!

Photo credit: Terzah Hill, WCCD Staff

Want to learn more about forestry, educational workshops, or tool rentals? Contact WCCD Staff:

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