This summer, the Pennsylvania iMapInvasives Program is hosting 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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To participate, review this StoryMap and watch the following webinar recording that highlights tips for identifying wavyleaf basketgrass and details on how to be an event participant. Additionally, three guest speakers 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, Professor of Biology, Coordinator of the Environmental Studies Program, University of Richmond

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Learn more about current efforts to manage wavyleaf basketgrass in Pennsylvania from the Allegheny Front's story "Wavyleaf Basketgrass: A Growing Threat in Pennsylvania". 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.​​​