Invasive species education
Events
Invasive Species Action Month
June is Invasive Species Action Month (ISAM) in Wisconsin. ISAM is an initiative developed by the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council. Beginning in 2005, the Council has requested the Governor proclaim June as ISAM and has hosted the annual Invasive Species Action Awards to award groups and individuals around the state that take action on invasives. Learn more about the Council and their efforts on their webpage.
Invasive Species Awareness Day
Coming on June 21, 2025, the second annual Invasive Species Awareness Day (ISAD) is on its way! The goal of ISAD is to raise public awareness of the many invasive species that threaten our natural habitats and encourage folks to learn and take action. Events have included educational programs, eradication events and more!
DNR Events Calendar
The DNR Events Calendar is where you can find events hosted by the department. This includes, but is not limited to, invasive species events.
Snapshot Day
Join the Water Action Volunteers for their annual statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day! This volunteer monitoring day will be held on August 9, 2025. Registration opens on June 2 for anyone interested in getting involved.
State Natural Area Volunteer Opportunities
Have a particular State Natural Area that’s close to your heart? Consider joining or starting volunteer workdays on your favorite property! You can find upcoming workdays and more information on the State Natural Area Volunteer Program page.
State Parks Volunteer Opportunities
The Wisconsin State Parks System will celebrate 125 years in 2025. Come celebrate and make a difference in your area by becoming a volunteer. Learn more about volunteering in State Parks.
Citizen-Based Monitoring
Surveying and monitoring are key parts of invasive species management and are critical for our rare species. Learn how to get involved with monitoring efforts that interest you.
Education
Publications
The Department Invasive Species Team has many publications and resources that may be useful for your efforts. Check out reports, handouts, and other helpful materials on our publications page.
K-12 activities and lesson plans
- EEK! Environmental Education for Kids - Alien Invaders is designed for upper-elementary and middle school students and teachers. EEK has over 900 pages including species profiles and activities for the spongy moth, emerald ash borer, zebra mussel, purple loosestrife, garlic mustard and rusty crayfish.
- Wisconsin Wildcards games and activities are designed for upper-elementary and middle school students. Check out the Weed Watchers card game and the "Track Down Alien Invaders" activity in the Go Wild with Wisconsin Wildcards! Educators' Kit. Wildcards are currently being phased out, so supplies may be limited.
- See Cella Chow! are lesson plans for grades 6-12 built around the science of biocontrol, specifically purple loosestrife. The lessons include listing the related Wisconsin Model Environmental Education and Science Standards.
- Wisconsin Sea Grant Aquatic Invaders Attack Packs are self-contained teaching aids providing information about aquatic nuisance species, their life cycles, effects and how they spread.
