The Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) is a data aggregation effort targeting invasive species early detection and rapid response (EDRR) needs within the Midwest region of the United States.
Who is leading this effort?
This effort is being led by the researchers with Michigan State University’s Applied Spatial Ecology and Technical Services Laboratory in conjunction with a growing consortium of supporting partners.
What are the goals and objectives?
The goal of this regional resource is to assist both experts and citizen scientists in the detection, identification and mapping of invasive species. Additionally, we currently harvest regional observation data contributed through GISIN, EDDMapS, GLEDN, GLIFWK and other databases. The MISIN database currently contains over 20,000 observations and has harvested over 170,000 from a growing network of invasive species databases. This improved regional view of the distribution of invasive species will allow for the development and implementation of more effective control strategies in the region.
Our website offers users the ability to identify and report over 190 unique plant and animal species, browse images and species information fact sheets, view distribution maps of reported species, set up location and species specific e-mail alerts and test your identification knowledge with our 45 species identification training modules. MISIN also provides an iPhone app that allows people in the field to identify and report over 190 unique plant and animal species; include field photos; browse species images and information factsheet; and view real-time species distribution maps.
For more information head on over to the MISIN website or contact:
Amos Ziegler
Research Scientist
Michigan State University
Natural Science Building
288 Farm Lane, Room 235B
East Lansing, Michigan 48824
(517) 355 – 0204