A record-number thirty-two local proposals were submitted for funding to our 2026 SEWISC Assistance Program. After careful deliberation, the selection committee ultimately awarded six 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:
$2,000 was awarded to The Blue Lotus Center for control equipment and licensed contractor costs associated with ongoing invasive plant abatement and native habitat restoration efforts described in their 2025 Land Management Plan.
As part of an oak savanna integrated restoration project in the Mukwonago River Oak Barrens, The Prairie Enthusiasts will use their $2,000 award to control woody invasive species, restore frequent dormant season fire, and native species plantings.
Monitoring a young oak in the Mukwonago River Oak Barrens savanna.
A $2,000 award was given to the Turtle Springs Farm Conservancy toward control of herbaceous invasive species, enhancing habitat for native flora and fauna. A conservation easement was recently established on nearly 35 acres of the property to transform a working farm into a wildlife sanctuary.
SEWISC awarded $2,000 to the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department to manage invasive species in upland and mesic hardwood forest, lowland swamp and riparian areas. Department staff, conservation corps teams and volunteers will complete project tasks.
The Land Restoration School was awarded $1,267 for equipment and supplies to perform invasive species removal on approximately 40 acres managed by partner groups within southeastern Wisconsin. The equipment will be used during the school’s ecological restoration immersive training program.
A $1,082 award was given to the Geneva Lake Environmental Agency for installation of buoys and on-water messaging around mapped infestation zones of starry stonewort. These efforts aim to reduce anchor mediated movement and colonization of starry stonewort into adjacent native plant beds and fish habitat.