SEWISC Assistance Program

We strive to provide resources for control of invasive species and establishment of native communities in Southeastern Wisconsin.  This year, SEWISC had the opportunity to assist more than 125 agencies and organizations and their eager volunteers through EPA/USFS Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding and a contribution from We Energies Foundation.  Controlled species included: European buckthorn, Asian honeysuckle, Japanese barberry, reed canary grass, purple loosestrife, Japanese knotweed, garlic mustard, dame’s rocket, crown vetch, thistle, teasel, burdock, Eurasian watermilfoil and common reed grass.  Check our website for 2015 Assistance Funding details in early January.

Connecting Communities to Ecological Efforts

Our 7^th Annual Education Symposium was a tremendous success.  This year’s guest speakers, Joey Zocher and Brian Russart, engaged the audience in an informative discussion regarding the importance and process of creating community-inclusive land stewardship opportunities while highlighting successes in the field of invasive management and environmental justice.  Symposium attendees celebrated this year’s Sweat Equity Award Winner, Ben Arnold from Ozaukee County and also enjoyed local food refreshments curtesy of Collectivo and the Student Conservation Association.  Mark your calendars for the 8^th Annual Education Symposium:  November 18, 2015.

Continuing a Vital Forum for Green Industry & Land Management Professionals

In partnership with Johnson’s Nursery, Inc. ™ we provided another networking opportunity for land managers, nurserymen, arborists, landscape architects and many other professionals. This second event featured presentations, panel discussions, plus guided tours discussing ways the green industry and land managers can benefit each other. Speakers for the event included: Neil Diboll, Kurt Dreisilker, Kelly Schultz & Michael Yanny. Forum presentations and other materials are now available online: Ecology Meets Economy-Season 2. The conversation continues and planning for future Forums is underway so stay in touch!

A new invader to our region

Classified as an endangered species in both the United Kingdom and Japan, starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa) was recently discovered in southeastern Wisconsin.  This exotic macro algae is described as an aggressive invasive species in Michigan where, for the last decade, it has rapidly spread between inland lakes. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) reported that a small patch of starry stonewort was found in the east side of Little Muskego Lake in Waukesha County this past September.  Left uncontrolled, starry stonewort can form dense mats of vegetation that completely cover the lake bottom, preventing growth of native aquatic plants and diminishing pan fish spawning habitat.

Unlike other charoid algae, it can grow to 2 meters (7 feet) tall at 9 meters (29 feet) water depth.  Starry stonewort produces oocytes which are transported easily on bird feathers and the fur of aquatic animals.  The oocytes can also be transported on plant debris caught on boats and trailers. Starry stonewort is listed as prohibited under the Wisconsin Invasive Species Rule, NR-40.  The WDNR has formed a response team which will work to develop a comprehensive strategy to contain and manage the population over the next few months.

National Invasive Species Awareness Week is scheduled for February 23-28, 2015 and according to experts with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), it's a topic that deserves everyone’s attention. Non-native plants, animals and pathogens can harm humans and the environment and impact our nation's economy. The damage done by invasive plants alone costs the U.S. an estimated $34.7 billion a year.

Participate in events across the nation to raise awareness and identify solutions to invasive species issues at local, state, tribal, regional and national scales. Locate an invasive species event in your state or county. Plan your own event using the NISAW Toolkit - where and when it works for you!

"Though the impact of invasive species is profound, there are important steps we can take to manage infestations and prevent their spread," says Lee Van Wychen, Ph.D., director of science policy for the WSSA. "It all begins with awareness."

To learn more about how you can participate, visit: NISAW.

Organize a 2015 Pull-A-Thon Team

Get an early start on your seasonal garlic mustard control and raise funds for long-term control by planning to join the Southeastern Wisconsin 2015 Garlic Mustard Pull-A-Thon, an annual event where we encourage folks throughout southeastern Wisconsin to protect the woodlands of their neighborhoods by pulling this invasive plant.

The pull-a-thon is a friendly competition, a fundraiser, and a way for people to join together and have a positive impact on their environment. Our natural areas will only avoid damage from invasives with a long-term sustained commitment to invasives control.

Visit our website for the 2014 Pull-A-Thon results: 2014 SEWISC Pull-A-Thon Results.  And watch for the 2015 pre-event details. If you would like to volunteer as a Team Leader in 2015 and add your worksite location to our event, please email us at: .