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MISIN

Midwest Invasive Species Information Network
www.misin.msu.edu

Funding Sources: Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program

The Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN), developed at Michigan State University’s Applied Spatial Ecology and Technical Services (ASETS) lab, is a regional leader in invasive species monitoring and management. By combining citizen science, professional expertise, and advanced mapping technologies, MISIN delivers real-time data that strengthens ecological resilience, supports the economy, and enhances public awareness.

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Project deliverables

01     Invasives Species Database
02    Mobile & Web Reporting Tools
03    Training & Education Modules
04    Regional EDR System
05    Collaboration Framework

Overview and Summary

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Key Achievements & Impacts

Protecting Ecosystems
  • The project enabled the detection and containment of new invasive species before they became widely established, reducing long-term ecological harm.
  • It supports conservation of the Great Lakes Basin by protecting critical habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife.
  • It provides land managers with species-specific maps and alerts that inform rapid response actions.
Reducing Economic Losses
  • The project prevents the costly spread of invasive species that impact agriculture, forestry, and tourism.
  • Early intervention reduces the need for expensive long-term control and eradication efforts.
  • The project protects commercial and recreational fisheries in the Great Lakes, which represent a multibillion-dollar industry.
Engaging the Public
  • More than 500 invasive species can be reported through MISIN’s mobile app and online portal.
  • Over 100 online training modules equip volunteers, educators, and land managers to accurately identify and report invasive species.
  • Thousands of citizen reports each year expand the reach of professional monitoring networks.
Advancing Interagency Collaboration
  • The system provides a centralized data hub used by federal, state, tribal, and local agencies to coordinate responses.
  • It integrates with national databases such as EDDMapS, iNaturalist, and GLANSIS, ensuring broad data accessibility.
  • It strengthens partnerships across agencies and organizations by providing shared tools and real-time intelligence.

Highlights

MISIN Learn

MISIN Learn is built on the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS) and expands upon the invasive species training modules traditionally offered on the MISIN website. The platform allows users to:

  • Track completed training modules and quiz scores.

  • Earn digital badges and certificates for specific modules.

  • Access new training opportunities and resources to support invasive species detection and identification.

MISIN Learn provides valuable tools for both experts and citizen scientists, strengthening skills in recognizing and reporting invasive species.

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Interactive Dashboard

The Observation Dashboard is updated multiple times daily and provides a range of reports, including:

  • Presence/Absence Reports – tracking observed and unobserved species.

  • Priority Species Reports – highlighting data on species of special concern.

  • Project-Based Reports – focusing on specific initiatives and study areas.

  • Filtered Reports – customized views by species or habitat type.

  • Field Photos – visual records supporting observation data.

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Fact Sheet Catalog

The MISIN “Species Information Sheets” catalog includes over 500 fact sheets, each devoted to a different non‐native or invasive species.

  • For each species, the fact sheet typically includes:

    • Common name and scientific name.

    • Family and classification.

    • Type (e.g. plant, animal) and life history (duration: annual, perennial; aquatic/terrestrial, etc.).

    • Habit or growth form (aquatic, herb, shrub, etc.).

  • The purpose is to give users, particularly researchers, resource managers, experts, and citizen scientists, reliable species‐level information to aid with identification, monitoring, reporting, and management efforts.

  • Because each sheet includes both scientific detail (taxonomy, life cycle) and ecological context (habit, growth form), they serve both as field identification tools and as reference documents for planning responses.

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Species Data Viewer

The MISIN Species Data Viewer is an interactive mapping tool that lets users explore reports of invasive species across the US and Canada. It combines map and table views, allowing searches by species, location, and date to visualize where problem species are spreading. Updated continuously with citizen and expert submissions, it highlights observation density, presence, and in some cases absence records, giving land managers, researchers, and the public a real-time look at invasive species distribution to support monitoring and control efforts.

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