Tired of seeing invasive species invading your field, woodlot or lake? There are several educational events planned during the 20th annual National Invasive Species Awareness Week for you to learn about ridding your property of the alien invaders.
“Invasive species are found in every imaginable habitat – from lakes, streams and wetlands to croplands, rangelands, forests and cities,” says Lee Van Wychen, Ph.D., executive director of science policy for the Weed Science Society of America. “Though we’ve come a long way in two decades, invasive species are still a multibillion dollar drain on our nation’s economy and a threat to our biological heritage. It is clear we need to focus more time, attention and resources on prevention and control.”
Rob Hedberg, now with the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, was one of the original organizers of the National Invasive Weeds Awareness Week.
“Twenty years ago, a handful of us got together to raise public awareness about invasive species,” he said. “Then and now, it is all about building partnerships among federal, state and local agencies, landowners and managers, scientists, industry and everyday citizens who care about healthy ecosystems and healthy farmlands. We are thrilled so many people are now engaged, but equally worried about how much more we need to accomplish.”
This year’s NISAW activities include a variety of free seminars, webinars and events to raise awareness about invasive species and effective controls.
Seminars planned
- “Fire and Water” Series, Session I: A Discussion about Invasive Species and Wildfires, noon to 1 p.m., Feb. 26, Room 421, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. Led by Gina Ramos, Bureau of Land Management.
- “Fire and Water” Series, Session II: A Discussion about Aquatic Invasive Species, noon, Feb. 27 in the Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. Check http://www.nisaw.org/ for room number. Led by Elizabeth Brown, Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
- Resistance: A Discussion about Innovative Solutions to Invasive Species Issues through Forest and Plant Science, noon, Feb. 28, in the Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. Check http://www.nisaw.org/ for room number. Led by Enrico Bonello, Center for Applied Plant Sciences, The Ohio State University.
Online webinars
The National Association of Invasive Plant Councils will offer several webinars on invasive species management, each scheduled for 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern. Click on the hyperlinks below to register.
- Bridging the Gap between Invasive Species Research and Management in New York, Feb. 26. Presented by Carrie Brown-Lima, NY Invasive Species Research Institute, Cornell University
- Glyphosate, Friend or Foe? Is Feb. 27. Presented by WSSA member Jason Ferrell, Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants and editor of the Journal of Aquatic Plant Management.
- PlayCleanGo: You Can Change Public Behavior to Slow the Spread of Invasive Species, Feb. 28. Presented by Belle Bergner, North American Invasive Species Management Association.
Other Activities
- An interactive map available at http://www.nisaw.org/ provides information on activities around the nation.
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