Intruder alert: New exhibit unravels the impacts of invasive species

With large colorful and interactive panels, an exhibit on the second floor of Newman Library titled “Invasive Species – A Global Dilemma” highlights the threat of invasive species to Virginia and surrounding regions.

The exhibit, a joint effort of University Libraries, the Insect ID Lab in the Department of Entomology, and the Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech, surrounds viewers with information and images about invasive species in Virginia. This includes charismatic species like the lionfish, whose distinctive red, brown, and white stripes set them apart from other marine creatures, the brown tree snake, and more inconspicuous plants and insects common in the area.

"We want people to have a sudden 'aha' moment where they recognize these invasive species in their own backyards and communities," said Hallie Harriman, Invasive Species Collaborative program coordinator. "Spotted lanternflies or the tree of heaven are things we often overlook in nature, but this exhibit aims to change that by equipping the public with identification skills."

Invasive species cause significant ecological and economic consequences and often outcompete native species, damage infrastructure, and threaten human health. The exhibit aims to help visitors identify and learn to manage problematic invasive plants, animals, insects, and pathogens they may encounter across the commonwealth.

Stopping the spread

In addition to raising awareness, the exhibit provides information about popular initiatives that prevent the spread of invasive species: 

• The Don’t Move Firewood campaign discourages people from transporting firewood long distances because it could house invasive pests. Instead, buy or gather wood where it will be burned.
• The Don’t Let It Loose campaign emphasizes proper pet ownership so that exotic pets are not released in the wild where they might upset the ecosystem.
• The Clean, Drain, Dry program encourages boaters, kayakers, and other water sport enthusiasts to clean their boats to avoid transporting and releasing aquatic hitchhikers into new bodies of water. 

Making the exhibit

Scott Fralin, University Libraries’ exhibit program manager and learning environments librarian, had the artistic vision to create a positive and approachable experience around a challenging — and sometimes scary — topic.

"Presenting invasive species in an alarming way is not helpful," Fralin said. "I developed the exhibit's style to feel welcoming, navigable, and nonthreatening. It emphasizes both collective and individual actions we can all take to leave visitors with a sense of agency and hope, rather than alarm."

One eye-catching feature is a mock infestation of oversized spotted lanternflies throughout the space, a well-known invasive pest in the region. Newman Library’s open layout allows the color-coded exhibit panels to guide visitors through the content without feeling cramped or overwhelmed.

By designing the exhibit to feel accessible and action-oriented, Fralin aimed to make the serious issue of invasive species resonate constructively with all who experience it.

During  National Invasive Species Awareness Week on Feb. 25, Newman Library will host an event highlighting the exhibit and featuring Virginia Tech specialists in invasive species research from 2-3 p.m. Check the Invasive Species Collaborative webpage for more information.