Through SEWISC programs and projects

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 28 organizations, agencies and homeowners through various program funding from EPA/USFS Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, The James E. Dutton Foundation, We Energies Foundation and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Invasive species controlled and managed through these efforts include: invasive buckthorns and honeysuckles, multiflora rose, black locust, burning bush, oriental bittersweet, garlic mustard, dame’s rocket, autumn olive, hairy willow herb, wild chervil, lesser celandine, giant hogweed, lyme grass, baby’s breath, yellow iris, purple loosestrife, burdock, java water dropwort, reed mannagrass, common reed grass, golden creeper, Japanese knotweed, barberry and hedge parsley.

Check our website for 2020 Assistance Program Funding application details in early January.

Invasive species in our changing climate

Our 12^th Annual Education Symposium was informative and fun!  This year’s guest speakers, Amy Staffen and Jason Granberg, discussed Wisconsin’s changing climate and how those changes influence the spread of invasive species.  We also learned about new climate adaptation resources that can empower invasive species managers. Check out both Amy and Jason's program materials through our website. Symposium attendees celebrated this year’s Sweat Equity Award Winner, Tom Schuknecht who is an energetic, dedicated and valuable volunteer at Riveredge Nature Center in Ozaukee County.  Everyone enjoyed local food refreshments and 9 lucky raffle winners returned home with $685 in donated prizes! Mark your calendars for our 13^th Annual Education Symposium: November 18, 2020.

Creating living landscapes with our native treasures

In partnership with Johnson’s Nursery, Inc. ™ we hosted another networking opportunity for land managers, nurserymen, arborists, landscape architects and many other professionals and nature enthusiasts at the Boerner Botanical Gardens in Milwaukee County.

This sixth sold-out event featured Dr. Doug Tallamy who has served as a researcher and teaching professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware for 32 years. His book Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens was published in 2007 and was awarded the 2008 silver medal by the Garden Writer’s Association. Dr. Tallamy also received the Garden Club of America Margaret Douglas Medal for Conservation and the Tom Dodd Jr. Award of Excellence in 2013.

Thank you to our Forum guests, sponsors and silent auction donors! More about the event is available HERE along with links to event photos and Doug’s amazing presentation slides.

Raising awareness across the nation

National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is scheduled for February 24 – February 28, 2020 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 and plan your own event using the NISAW Toolkit - where and when it works for you!

Here are 9 ways you can help to raise awareness:

1. Learn about invasive species, especially those found in your region. Your county extension office and the National Invasive Species Information Center are both trusted resources.
2. Clean hiking boots, waders, boats and trailers, off-road vehicles and other gear to stop invasive species from hitching a ride to a new location. Learn more at PlayCleanGo.org
3. Avoid dumping aquariums or live bait into waterways. Learn more at Habitattitude.org
4. Don't move firewood - instead, buy it where you'll burn it, or gather on site when permitted. Learn more at DontMoveFirewood.org and Hungry Pests.
5. Use forage, hay, mulch and soil that are certified as "weed free."
6. Plant only non-invasive plants in your garden and remove any known invaders.
7. Report new or expanded invasive species outbreaks to authorities. Here is a state-by-state list of contacts
8. Volunteer to help remove invasive species from public lands and natural areas.
9. Ask your political representatives at the state, local and national level to support invasive species control efforts.

Though the impact of invasive species is profound, there are important steps we can take to manage infestations and prevent their spread. It all begins with awareness. To learn more about how you can participate, visit: NISAW.

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.

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.

***Makes a great holiday gift!***

The 2020 Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference

October 12-14, 2020
Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center
Duluth, MN

Organize a 2020 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 2020 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. Control mustard and raise funds for your organization!

Visit our website for this year’s Pull-A-Thon results: 2019 SEWISC Pull-A-Thon.  And watch for the 2020 pre-event details in February.   If you would like to volunteer as a Team Leader in 2020 and add your worksite location to our event, please email us at: .