This summer, the Pennsylvania iMapInvasives Program will host a new event called the Basketgrass Bonanza. This event invites natural resource professionals and members of the public to search for and report their findings of wavyleaf basketgrass (Oplismenus undulatifolilus), an invasive, low-lying, perennial grass and Pennsylvania noxious weed.

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Current efforts by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) aim to eradicate all occurrences of wavyleaf basketgrass that are found in the Commonwealth, so each and every report is vital to accomplish this goal.

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By participating in the Basketgrass Bonanza, individuals will conduct searches for wavyleaf basketgrass in natural areas (parks, forests, etc.) located within Pennsylvania, with all findings being submitted to iMapInvasives. The event is scheduled to take place from August 1-31, 2026.

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An instructional webinar will be offered on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 from 10:00am-11:00am that will highlight tips for identifying wavyleaf basketgrass and details on how to be an event participant. Additionally, three guest speakers will discuss current efforts to eradicate this species from the landscape and highlight ongoing research on basketgrass population genetics and invasion dynamics. Speakers include:

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• Ben Mummert, Invasive Plant Ecologist, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

• Trilby Libhart, Botany and Weed Specialist, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

• Dr. Carrie Wu, Associate Professor of Biology, Coordinator of the Environmental Studies Program, University of Richmond

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Questions regarding the Basketgrass Bonanza can be directed to Amy Jewitt (ajewitt@paconserve.org) or Corinne Garda (cgarda@paconserve.org) at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program.​​​