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!

The 2023 Invader Crusader Awards were presented to thirteen extraordinary recipients on June 7 at the Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area. These awards are an annual recognition by the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council for exceptional dedication to fighting invasive plants and animals.

We are happy to share that Wehr Nature Center was selected as a winner in the Volunteer Group Category. Through weekly volunteer days, local school outreach, and workshops the Center has educated hundreds of individuals on invasive species management. Their work has positively impacted critical habitat for rare species and brought local community members into nature. Mequon Nature Preserve was selected in the Professional Group. The Preserves reaches tens of thousands each year with their outreach and educational efforts. They teach others about native and invasive species and other ecological information that fosters curiosity and further learning.

November 7, 2023
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Havenwoods State Forest
Environmental Awareness Center
6141 N. Hopkins Street
Milwaukee WI 53209

Celebrate our recent accomplishments and learn about our plans for 2024 and beyond. This year’s guest speaker, Jim Reinartz, will also discuss strategies for achieving a desirable native plant community after controlling invasive plants. This informative symposium is free and open to the public.

Our Annual Sweat Equity Award will also be presented during the Symposium. The award honors outstanding southeast Wisconsin citizens and organizations 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 October 10. Contact: to sponsor the 2023 Symposium and/or to exhibit at this event!

Choose from many fun adult and youth t-shirt sizes and colors. Don’t forget to add a SEWISC mug to your shopping cart for those autumn warm beverages! By shopping at our store, you are supporting our mission to promote efficient and effective management of invasive species throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Thank you!

Salutes your 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 (especially your adjacent neighbors!).

The high-quality 9x12 inch aluminum signs are available for only $20.00 each, or two for $35.00 (price includes shipping and handling).

To order just download, complete and send a SEWISC Sign Order Form with your payment.