Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, Inc.
SEWISC
is a broad-based coalition that promotes efficient and effective management of invasive species throughout Kenosha, Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha Counties.
Invasive species quietly transform the habitats that pollinators and native insects depend on. In Wisconsin, the rare West Virginia White butterfly is fooled into laying eggs on the toxic invasive garlic mustard displacing their native toothwort host plants, causing decline of the native butterfly species. Monarch butterflies face a similar issue when they lay eggs on toxic invasive black or pale swallow-wort plants out-competing their native larval host, common milkweed.
During this year’s symposium, Dan Salas, Senior Ecologist, at the Energy Resources Center - University of Illinois Chicago, will explore how invasive plants alter resources and ecological interactions that sustain native insect communities.
Our Annual Sweat Equity Award will also be presented during the Symposium. The award honors outstanding southeast Wisconsin volunteers for their significant contributions to prevent, control or eradicate invasive species that harm our region’s lands, waters, and wetlands. Please consider nominating adults and/or youth with whom you work or those from your community. Sweat Equity Award nomination forms are accepted through Tuesday October 13.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to sponsor the 2026 Symposium and/or to exhibit at this event!
The Garlic Mustard Pull-A-Thon is an annual fundraiser event in southeastern Wisconsin to protect woodlands from invasive plants. In 2026, 874 residents formed volunteer teams and pulled 31,360 pounds of garlic mustard and dame’s rocket. The Friends of Havenwoods State Forest Team won this year’s competition and the traveling trophy was passed to their committed Team Members during a ceremony on July 30. The funds raised during this annual event are used for invasive species education, prevention, and control. Thanks to everyone who participated and donated!
Thanks to the U.S. Forest Service for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding that made this website possible!
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
