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 20 agencies and organizations and their eager volunteers through funding from EPA/USFS Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, We Energies Foundation and Wisconsin Department Of Natural Resources.  Invasive species controlled and managed through these efforts included: common buckthorn, invasive honeysuckles, purple loosestrife, Japanese knotweed, garlic mustard, dame’s rocket, teasel, autumn olive, Eurasian watermilfoil, wild chervil, lesser celandine and common reed grass.  Check our website for 2016 Assistance Funding application details in early January.

New invaders headed our way

Our 8^th Annual Education Symposium was another great success.  This year’s guest speakers, Chris Evans and Kurt Dreisilker, shared examples of problematic invasive species which are invading the counties just south of our region.  Early detection, identification and prompt best management techniques will keep these traveling aggressors from establishing in Wisconsin.  Symposium attendees enjoyed local food refreshments courtesy of Colectivo and the Student Conservation Association and also celebrated this year’s Sweat Equity Award Winner, Brian Russart, who works tirelessly to protect the natural areas of our Milwaukee County Park system.  Mark your calendars for the 9^th Annual Education Symposium:  November 16, 2016.

Continuing a Vital Forum

In partnership with Johnson’s Nursery, Inc. ™ we provided another networking opportunity for land managers, nurserymen, arborists, landscape architects and many other professionals. This third event featured presentations, panel discussions, plus educational tours discussing ways the green industry and land managers can benefit each other. Speakers for the event included: Curt Meine, Darrel Apps, Kelly Kearns, Matt Millen & Roy Diblik. The conversation continues and planning for future Forums is underway so stay in touch!

SEWISC Board of Directors look ahead to plan our future efforts

We took some time this year to reflect on our past efforts and are proud to report that since the first steering committee was formed in 2007, SEWISC has accomplished an amazing amount of work with astounding results.  Following our 2011-2015 Strategic Plan, we designed and are providing educational and on-the- ground programs which are effectively reducing the impact of invasive species in our region.  With the assistance of Paul Roback (UWEX) we developed a second plan to guide our future efforts: SEWISC 2016-2020 Strategic Plan

A week of invasive species awareness in February

National Invasive Species Awareness Week is scheduled for February 21-27, 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2015 Pull-A-Thon results: 2015 SEWISC Pull-A-Thon Results.  And watch for the 2016 pre-event details in February.   If you would like to volunteer as a Team Leader in 2016 and add your worksite location to our event, please email us at: .