National Invasive Species Awareness Week

Invasive Species Awareness Week – join us in protecting our ecosystems from foreign invaders before they redefine our natural landscape.

When it is?

February 26

History of National Invasive Species Awareness Week

National Invasive Species Awareness Week Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Initiation year</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Invasive Species Awareness Week was established, acknowledging the impact of invasive species on natural ecosystems.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Participation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Interest and participation in this awareness week started to gain national momentum, with diverse states hosting events and activities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Congressional Briefings</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Congressional Briefings related to invasive species took place, emphasizing the importance of this issue on a governmental level.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Widespread Educational Programs</div><div class='timeline-text'>Educational programs widely started during this week, aimed to inform the public about the dangers of invasive species and how to counteract their effects.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual Campaigns in Pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the global pandemic, celebrations transitioned online, with a series of webinars and virtual events taking place, aiding in global reach and participation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2022</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Future Aims</div><div class='timeline-text'>Efforts continue to raise awareness, engage the public, and find solutions to combat invasive species globally.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Invasive Species Awareness Week

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in a Local Clean-Up</h3><p class='facts-text'>Many cities organize clean-ups of local parks, rivers, and other natural areas that are affected by invasive species. Join one of these events and get your hands dirty for a good cause. You'll help remove invasive plants and improve the health of local ecosystems. </p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create an Invasive Species Art Project</h3><p class='facts-text'>Raise awareness through creativity by making an art project that shows the negative impact of invasive species. This can be a sculpture, painting, or multimedia project. Display your work publicly to draw attention to the issue. </p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Attend a Workshop or Webinar</h3><p class='facts-text'>Many organizations offer workshops and webinars during this week where you can learn more about invasive species. These events often feature experts in the field who can provide valuable insights and suggestions for action.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Plant Native Species in Your Garden</h3><p class='facts-text'>One of the best ways to combat invasive species is by planting native flora that can outcompete invasive plants. Start a native plant garden in your backyard or community, and encourage your neighbors to do the same. </p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Lobby for Invasive Species Legislation</h3><p class='facts-text'>Get political and lobby your local government for laws that regulate the spread of invasive species. Effective legislation can prevent new invasions and provide resources for managing existing ones. </p></div></div>

Why National Invasive Species Awareness Week is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Raises Awareness About an Important Issue</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Invasive Species Awareness Week is the perfect opportunity for us to learn more about the threats posed by non-native plant and species invasion. Through various activities, this awareness week encourages individuals to learn about invasive species issues at local, state, national, and international levels and take action in their own communities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes Action Among Individuals</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From joining a local cleanup event to starting a native plant garden in your backyard, National Invasive Species Awareness Week offers many ways for people to actively participate. These hands-on activities not only have a direct impact on our local ecosystems, but they also foster a sense of responsibility and connection to the environment.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Helps Protect Our Ecosystems</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Invasive species can harm our ecosystems significantly – they pose a threat to biodiversity, disrupt habitats, and can cause extensive economic and environmental damage. National Invasive Species Awareness Week is a crucial initiative that brings the issue to the forefront, encouraging collective efforts to protect our ecosystems from these threats.</p></div></div>