2016 Awardees announced

Eighteen excellent proposals were submitted for funding to the 2016 SEWISC Assistance Program, which was graciously sponsored by the We Energies Foundation.  Although a challenging task, the selection committee chose four extraordinary 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:

Riveredge Nature Center was awarded $557 to assist with an ongoing woody invasive species removal and monitoring program, strengthening their continuing efforts of education and multi-generational outreach at the Riveredge Creek State Natural Area.  Their project will focus on known populations of nine NR40 Restricted woody invasive species across a 110-acre project area of mosaic of mesic forest, wetland, and riparian edge.  SEWISC Assistance Program funds will be used to purchase crucial items such as herbicide, back pack sprayers and other equipment needed to control woody invasive species.

$990 was awarded to the Caledonia Conservancy Land Trust to reduce the density of and competition from invasive species in favor of a native shrub understory such as dogwood and viburnum. This project will control populations of hairy willow herb and a growing infestation of purple loosestrife in areas that support numerous native sedge species as well as promote establishment of native understory shrubs such as dogwood, viburnum, cherry and elderberry within their King’s Corner parcel.  SEWISC funds will be used to purchase herbicide, a backpack sprayer, personal protective equipment, and to support Conservancy staff.

A $2,000 award was given to the River Revitalization Foundation to remove various terrestrial invasive plant species from Gordon Park and along the Beerline Trail within the Milwaukee River Greenway.  The main focus of this project is to treat common reed grass, garlic mustard, common buckthorn, honeysuckle spp. and Japanese knotweed within the 19-acre project area.  SEWISC support will provide supplies such as herbicide, dye and various equipment to treat and remove target species from the project area.  The Foundation will work collaboratively with many student volunteers including University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the NCCC AmeriCorps to complete this project. 

The Waukesha County Land Conservancy was awarded $2,000 for controlling target invasive species within the Tamarack Swamp and Weiland Preserve.  The goals of this project include 1) removing target invasive species, 2) creating a Partners in Stewardship Program, 3) educating landowners and the public on land stewardship and the importance of removing invasive plants to restore wildlife habitat and native plant communities, and 4) establish and strengthen partnerships with business, educational institutions, service organizations and youth groups that perform stewardship activities on Conservancy lands.  SEWISC Assistance Program funds will be used to purchase herbicide and supplies, fund labor to treat the target invasive species, and develop educational materials including a manual for “How to Conduct a Workday” prepared by students from UW-Milwaukee. This manual will be used to train volunteer and student leaders to lead and conduct workdays.

Thank you to We Energies Foundation for supporting these vital efforts!