Congratulations to the 2023 Champion Pull-A-Thon Team!

Our Garlic Mustard Pull-A-Thon is an annual fundraiser event, where we encourage folks throughout southeastern Wisconsin to protect the woodlands of their neighborhoods by pulling this invasive plant. This spring, 480 dedicated residents formed sixteen volunteer teams to help raise funds and awareness while controlling 18,097 pounds of garlic mustard and dame’s rocket in natural areas. Volunteers recruited friends, family and colleagues to sponsor their pulling efforts. $1,810 in pledged contributions was also collectively raised by team members and shared between SEWISC and the event partners. These funds will be used for adult and youth invasive species education, prevention and control in southeastern Wisconsin.  In the 11 years of this program, the amount of invasive plant material pulled has surpassed 101 tons! Natural areas will only avoid damage from invasive species with a long-term sustained commitment to control and management efforts.

This year, The Wehr Nature Center Team pulled themselves to the top of the 2023 Garlic Mustard Pull-A-Thon competition. Led by Jeff Veglahn, the team enlisted 57 volunteers and recruited $620 in donations while pulling 4,185 pounds of our target plants throughout a 9.3-acre management area.

MacKenzie Franz, Team Leader of our 2022 Champion Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation Team, graciously passed the traveling Garlic Mustard Pull-A-Thon trophy to Wehr Nature Center Team Leader, Jeff Veglahn, during a ceremony on July 21. The trophy will be proudly displayed by Wehr Nature Center throughout the year.

Many thanks to all of you who got outdoors, pulled garlic mustard and dame’s rocket, told your neighbors about these invasive plants, and reported your progress as part of the 2023 event. And thank you to all who donated to your favorite 2023 Team! Remember, it's never to early to start planning for next year's Pull-A-Thon competition - JOIN US!  

SEWISC Sign Salutes Individual Efforts

Even the smallest of efforts can make a big difference toward reducing the impact of invasive species.  Urban landowners as well as those who own and manage larger acreages can now encourage good stewardship and backyard conservation practices by posting these signs.

Whether you have rural acreage, a suburban yard, or a city lot, you can help protect the environment by controlling invasive species and promoting that stewardship practice to others.

The high-quality 9x12 inch aluminum signs are available for only $20.00 each or two for $35.00 (price includes shipping and handling).  Want to order more than two?  Contact us at:  for a price quote.

To order just download, complete, print and send a SEWISC Sign Order Form with your payment.  Supplies are limited!