In 2005 Governor James Doyle demonstrated a firm commitment to address the issue of invasive species in Wisconsin by creating the Wisconsin Council on Invasive Species and by declaring June of that year the first annual Invasive Species Awareness Month. Riveredge Nature Center Habit HealersFor each of the past 8 years, that tradition has continued in an effort to raise awareness about non-native invasive plants and animals.

This annual event is a great opportunity for the Council to recognize the efforts of outstanding individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exemplary work in combating the spread of invasive species.

We are proud to report that SEWISC volunteers Melissa Warner (Weed Out! Racine) and The Habitat Healers (Riveredge Nature Center) have been chosen to receive 2013 awards for their dedicated work in southeastern Wisconsin! The Invader Crusader Awards Ceremony was held on June 11th at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison.
Melissa Warner with SEWISC Board
members Laura Giese and Theresa Morgan

Spotted Knapweed Poster by Kaleigh
Fitzgerald WaukeshaAs part of the celebration, 4th and 5th grade students were once again invited to participate in the Invasive Species Awareness Month poster contest sponsored by the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council, Department of Natural Resources and Invasive Plants Association of Wisconsin. The goal of the poster contest is to increase awareness of invasive species and teach people how to prevent the spread of invasives. Kaleigh Fitzgerald (Magee Elementary School in Waukesha) received Honorable Mention in the 2013 competition.