Welcome to NISAW 2024

National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is an annual event organized by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) as an international initiative that aims to raise awareness about the urgent issue of invasive species and the threats they pose to ecosystems worldwide. This year, the event takes place from February 26 to March 3, 2024. Join TCWP on social media as we leverage this opportunity to educate and mitigate the spread of invasive species.

National Invasive Species Awareness Week - NISAW Week 2024 - February 26th - March 3rd

Throughout the week, organizations at the local, state, federal, and regional levels will come together to discuss legislative measures, policies, and advancements necessary for the prevention and management of invasive species. Participants will learn about the impact of invasive species on biodiversity, economy, and human health. In Teton County, our focus will be on invasive species that affect our local environments, such as cheatgrass, quagga and zebra mussels, leafy spurge, and perennial pepperweed.

NISAW Week 2024 - NISAW is an international event held February 26 through March 3, 2024, powered by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) and others, which seeks to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat they pose, and what can be done to prevent their spread. Representatives from local, sate, federal, and regional organizations discuss legislation, policies, and improvements that can be made to prevent and manage invasive species

A series of educational webinars will be offered by NISAW, covering a range of topics. These include rapid response strategies for quagga mussels in the Snake River and discussions on the management of noxious and exotic weeds by federal agencies. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with experts and gain insights into the latest research and strategies aimed at combating invasive species.

NISAW Week 2024 - "Invasive species alter the natural balance of waters and lands. Fortunately, everyone can do something to prevent the spread of invasive species." -Erika Edmiston, TCWP District Supervisor

During National Invasive Species Awareness Week, TCWP will shed light on the dangers posed by invasive species in our local environments. These threats include disrupting food webs, depleting native food sources, and intensifying the effects of climate change. We will also emphasize the importance of native plant conservation. By highlighting the benefits of native species, participants will be encouraged to support local ecosystems by planting native flora and adopting responsible gardening practices.

As NISAW comes to a close, TCWP will emphasize actionable steps that individuals can take to curb the spread of invasive species. This includes practicing proper gear cleaning protocols laid forth by PlayCleanGo and advocating for invasive species management at political levels. Every individual has a role to play in safeguarding our ecosystems.

NISAW serves as a platform for collective action and awareness. It reminds us of the critical importance of preserving our natural heritage and combating the threats posed by invasive species. Join us in this endeavor and make a difference for the environment.

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Native Plant species resources:

Tetonplants.org

nps.gov/grte/learn/nature/plants.htm

uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/resources/native-plants.html

tetonconservation.org/native-plants

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