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 26 organizations, agencies, and homeowners through various programs funded by 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, Japanese knotweed and more!  

Need a little help with your invasive species management? Check our website in mid-January for 2022 Assistance Program Funding and application details.

Congratulations to our fantastic southeastern Wisconsin recipients!

Each year, the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council honors our citizens and organizations for their significant contribution to prevent, control or eradicate invasive species that harm Wisconsin’s lands, waters and wetlands. This year’s award ceremony was held on September 29 in Lake Mills and we are proud to highlight five awardees whose stewardship efforts benefit southeastern Wisconsin:

2021 Invader Crusader AwardeesEric Boettcher, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Whitewater, has been working to restore Whitewater’s lakes since his hiring. Eric developed a plan to drain Trippe and Cravath Lakes to eliminate the infestation of invasive plants. He reached out to educate the community and the lakes were drawn down for two winters, freezing the invasive plant populations. Dredging is planned, followed by revegetation and fish restoration. Thanks to Eric’s efforts, these lakes will be restored to their former glory, after which the city of Whitewater was named.

Tim Richert volunteers with Humboldt Park Friends. The park’s Lagoon was infested with invasive species including cattail, so Tim researched alternative control methods and developed a volunteer based removal program. A Lagoon Restoration committee was formed and a restoration plan was developed. Due to COVID19, the plan is still under review but with Tim’s dedication, the Lagoon will have a fighting chance!

The River Revitalization Foundation (RRF) is a local group dedicated to conserving the Milwaukee River Greenway. The RRF coordinates volunteers to remove invasive plants from the Greenway and in 2020, they hand pulled almost 5,500 pounds of garlic mustard! The RRF also works to increase biodiversity of the Greenway by planting native species and also by selling them to the community. The Greenway is already showing results; the number of bird species present has increased from 8 to 85 over the last six years.

The Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund (CPPF) cares for the Chiwaukee State Natural Area. The volunteer organization works to control invasive plant species and lead educational field trips. Their restoration efforts include a native plant sale and propagating native seeds for transplanting. All members of the CPPF are dedicated to protecting the endangered and threatened species that are important components of the prairie community.

Peter Dargatz, a kindergarten teacher in Menomonee Falls, has created an outdoor classroom, trail, and family nature club at Woodside Elementary School. Peter’s students teach their parents about what they’ve learned and everyone is able to get involved by volunteering with the Ice Age Trail, local nature preserves, and county parks. By teaching the importance of identifying and controlling invasive species, Peter is ensuring that his students will be caring stewards of our natural environment for life.

Raising awareness across the nation

National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is scheduled for February 28 – March 4, 2022. 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.

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

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.

The Annual Meeting of the general membership will be held at 1:30 pm on January 19, 2022.

During the meeting we will review our 2021 Year-end Report and our plans for 2022. We will also elect the 2022 Board of Directors and Officers. Paid 2022 SEWISC members may join the meeting and vote during the Board elections. Email for more information.

All SEWISC 2022 Board meeting dates and times can also be found on the SEWISC website.

Organize a 2022 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 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: 2021 SEWISC Pull-A-Thon. And watch for the 2022 pre-event details in early March. If you would like to volunteer as a Team Leader in 2022 and add your worksite location to our event, please email us at: .