Co-Authored by: Alyssa Vinson and Katherine Clements
What are invasive species?
An invasive plant, animal or pest is one that is non-native (originating from another state or country), are able to reproduce and maintain self-sustaining populations, and cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. Invasive species are capable of drastically changing the ecology of an environment. Millions of dollars are spent each year in Florida trying to limit the spread and damage of invasive plants, animals and pests. Some local examples of invasive plant species are; Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terbinthifolius) and Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera).
Want to make a difference?
- The Florida Invasive Species Partnership (FISP) has kicked off the FL Stay-at-Home Weed Wrangle. Help protect Florida by removing one or more invasive plants from your landscape and be entered to win some awesome prizes here: https://www.floridainvasives.org/flwww.cfm
- Learn more and educate others, opportunities below!
What is CISMA?
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) facilitate conversations across agencies. The Suncoast CISMA is the coordinating group for Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties, which works on outreach materials related to invasive species identification, collaborates to offer virtual and in-person workshops and organizes volunteer events in order to coordinate volunteer and land management efforts across the region. Learn more about the Suncoast CISMA at the website here: https://www.floridainvasives.org/suncoast/ or view videos on their YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfkKG63TRXy2evQ3tPnawqQ/featured
What is NISAW?
National Invasive Species Awareness Week is an international event to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat that they pose, and what can be done to prevent their spread. Representatives from local, state, federal, and regional organizations discuss legislation, policies, and improvements that can be made to prevent and manage invasive species. A series of virtual webinars are planned online from February 22-26, 2021 and sponsorship opportunities are available.
February 22-26, 2021
Webinar Series
All Webinars begin at 1pm central.
Monday, February 22nd: Invasive Species Management Priorities
Tuesday, February 23rd: Federal Agency Updates
Wednesday, February 24th: Aquatic Nuisance Species
Thursday, February 25th: Plant Health
Friday, February 26th: Show Me the Money!
Other opportunities to learn more:
- The Florida Invasive Species Partnership (FISP) has kicked off the FL Stay-at-Home Weed Wrangle. Help protect Florida by removing one or more invasive plants from your landscape and be entered to win some awesome prizes here: https://www.floridainvasives.org/flwww.cfm
- Check out Manatee County Extension’s Invasive Species in the Home Landscape webinar series here. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3cfjFHp3py9NRAObs64USFzXillt9ml
- Register for Sarasota County Extension’s Invasive Species webinars here: https://www.eventbrite.com/organizations/events?q=invasive%20species or the new Florida Master Naturalist Invasive Plants class here: https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/courses.html#invasive
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