California Invasive Species Action Week - Aug. 2-9, 2014

Removing English Ivy (Hedera helix) an important invasive species in S. California. 
Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve, Gardena.

This week marks the very first California Invasive Species Action Week (ISAW).  A bit like Earth Day, the Invasive Species Action Week focuses on an environmental problem - invasive species.  And like Earth Day, its purpose is to educate Californians about the problem and inspire us to take individual and collective action.  You can read more about ASAW at: https://www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/ActionWeek/

What can you do to celebrate Invasive Species Action Week all year long?  Here are a few ideas:

§Volunteer for invasive species removal/restoration projects.   Many local preserves & wild areas have regular restoration days and would appreciate your help.

§Find out which species threaten California. 

 

• http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/inventory/
• http://www.cal-ipc.org/landscaping/dpp/planttypes.php?region=socal
• http://cisr.ucr.edu/invasive_species.html

§Remove invasive plants from your property.

§Select native or non-invasive plants for your garden.  www.plantright.org  - see also the Native Plant Gallery page on this blog


§Download the ‘Wicked Weeds’ posters and post them where appropriate - http://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/wicked-weeds-posters-2014

§Use certified “weed-free” hay, seed, mulch, soil and gravel.

§Buy it where you burn it: Don’t spread forest pests by moving campfire wood from one place to another.

§Learn which invaders are in your local area. 

§Eat them. Yes, really.  www.invasivore.org

§Monitor plants and trees for infestation symptoms.

§Share your knowledge

§ Report a Sighting - have you spotted an invader? Tell us where! Visit the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Invasive Species Program web page (http://www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/)  to fill out a sighting report!