Through SEWISC programs and projects

We strive to provide resources for on-the-ground control of invasive species and establishment of native communities in Southeastern Wisconsin. This year, SEWISC had the opportunity to assist a record 90 organizations, agencies, and homeowners through various program funding from EPA and US Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiatives, the We Energies Foundation, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Invasive species controlled and managed through these efforts include: invasive buckthorns and honeysuckles, spotted knapweed, Queen Anne’s lace, dame’s rocket, garlic mustard, sweet clover, multi-flora rose, oriental bittersweet, black locust, wild parsnip, creeping bellflower, cut-leaved and common teasel, thistle, water hyacinth, white poplar, garden valerian, reed canary grass, autumn olive, hairy willow herb, wild chervil, lesser celandine, giant hogweed, purple loosestrife, crown vetch, common reed grass, golden creeper, and Japanese knotweed.  Whew!

Need a little help with your invasive species management? Check our website in mid-January for 2021 Assistance Program Funding and application details.

Small changes to protocols can make a big difference

As part of a 3 year EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant, we reached out to local roadway crews to re-check and control 2,577 populations of teasel, wild parsnip, Phragmites and Japanese knotweed which were mapped by residents in 2013 within rights-of-way. During the project, another 1,836 populations were mapped (an increase of 71%), indicating poor roadway management protocols resulting in the spread of these species over the past 7 years.  2,224 populations were treated with grant funding and roadway managers were given tools to identify and control the target species long-term.  The project also included re-surveying target roadway populations that have spread to adjacent properties and providing educational information packets to affected property owners. The 403 adjacent roadway populations mapped in 2013 increased to 1,430 by 2020 (255% increase) demonstrating that poor roadway management has direct and detrimental impact to adjacent property owners. You can help your roadway managers to improve their management protocols.  Contact your local government and request that they follow our Roadside Invasive Plant Management Plan.

Check out our new format

Through a generous grant of Natural Resources Foundation funding, we worked to re-design our individual invasive species web pages over the past year. Originally designed in 2010, the pages needed consistent, up-to-date educational and control information for our website users. We also included additional local photographs and several new pages were developed for invasive species that have unfortunately recently arrived in our region. 

This project successfully achieved our planned results by updating and simplifying each of our invasive species web pages. The information is much clearer and consistent with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and NR-40 resources.  Information was lacking from the WDNR for only a few species, and those pages will be updated as soon as the WDNR staff has gathered in-depth information. We welcome feedback from our website users regarding our new pages!

Raising awareness across the nation

National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is scheduled for February 22 – 28, 2021. Invasive species is 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.

Now more than ever, our lands and waters need a nationwide campaign to spread awareness about invasive species. 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 your 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 Annual Meeting of the general membership will be held virtually at 1:30 pm on January 20, 2021.

During the meeting we will review our 2020 Year-end Report and our 2021 Annual Operating Plan.  We will also elect the 2021 Board of Directors and Officers.  Paid 2021 SEWISC members may join the meeting and vote during the Board elections. Email to receive the virtual meeting link.

All SEWISC 2021 Board meeting dates and times can also be found on the SEWISC website.

Organize a 2021 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 2021 Garlic Mustard Pull-A-Thon, an annual event where we encourage folks throughout southeastern Wisconsin to protect the natural lands 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: 2020 SEWISC Pull-A-Thon.  And watch for the 2021 pre-event details in February. If you would like to volunteer as a Team Leader in 2021 and add your worksite location to our event, please email us at: .