Eighteen local proposals were submitted for funding to our 2024 SEWISC Assistance Program. The selection committee ultimately awarded seven small grants for on-the-ground invasive species control projects which will be conducted in our region over the next few months. Here is a summary of those projects:
$3,500 was awarded to Carroll University to control buckthorn in oak ecosystems through a multifaceted approach, centered around prescribed burns and holistic oak protection. This work will be conducted in parallel with environmental training for students.
The Elm Grove Beautification Committee stewards the 79-acre Village Park and the 1.8-acre Veteran’s Park. Their $1,000 award will be used for supplies and equipment to control teasel, phragmites, garlic mustard, dame’s rocket, honeysuckle, and buckthorn.
A $2,000 award was given to the Friends of Grant Park to aid with control of Japanese tree lilac, garlic mustard, dame’s rocket, burdock, porcelain berry, and Asian bittersweet. SEWISC funds will provide native replacement species and fencing to protect those plantings from deer browsing.
Prescribed prairie burn performed on the Weber property
SEWISC awarded $2,000 to Kiswauketoe Nature Conservancy for treatment of invasive Phragmites within five acres of wetland adjacent to Geneva Lake. The area provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including bald eagles and river otters. Funds will be used for labor and equipment.
Richard & Laura Weber were awarded $2,750 to control yellow flag iris, Canadian thistle, bull thistle, burdock, common teasel, garlic mustard, white sweet clover, honeysuckle, and reed canary grass on two acres of their Grafton property adjacent to Ulao Swamp. The SEWISC award will be used for chemical control and prescribed burns.
A $3,500 award was given to the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department for invasive plant control to improve the ecology in Virmond County Park. The park is a designated Important Bird Area, along the Ozaukee Bight Lakeshore Migration Corridor. Funds will be used to hire a Conservation Corps Team.
The Riveredge Nature Center was awarded $2,000 for removal of woody invasive plant species on a 48-acre project area. Restoration will enhance habitat quality for native wildlife, such as the rusty patched bumblebee, a federally endangered species. The SEWISC award will be used for labor.