We need you to be a Wisconsin Weed Watcher

The Challenge

Wisconsin is a big place, with many places for weeds to grow and hide. There are 54,300 square miles of forests, fields, wetlands, lakes, suburbs and cities. Of the state's 5 million residents, very few are familiar with local native trees, wildflowers and grasses or the invasive species that threaten them. Invasive plants can be spread through a number of routes from muddy shoes and tire treads, to birds and flowing water. Even gardeners may contribute to the spread of invasives if their ornamentals escape into the wild.

All of these potential routes and places of introduction require a lot of people to be on the lookout, that is why we need you to help. Our goal is to have a vast network of Weed Watchers committed to keeping invasives out of Wisconsin.

Ways to be an effective Weed Watcher

First, you will need to learn to recognize target plants and where they are likely to be found. Get to know the look-alikes, too. You can do this by viewing the Target Plants Web page and other project materials, or by attending a Weed Watcher training. For instructions on plant-collecting, voucher-making and reporting, see Collecting & Reporting Guidelines.

Then . . .

• Keep an eye open for target plants wherever you go - whether in settings that are urban or rural, wild or developed. Often, invasives that have spread into natural areas got their start along roads or near human habitation.
• Adopt a wild place or natural area and watch over it. Get to know the current community of plants - both natives and non-natives - so you can recognize when a target plant arrives.
• Check the WISFLORA: Wisconsin Vascular Plant Species (exit DNR) Website to find current locations of target invasive species in the state. Go search for more occurrences in the area, and report them.

Make it Official:

Register Now [PDF 31KB]

When you register as volunteer Wisconsin Weed Watcher, we will keep you informed of target plant sightings, invasive plant websites & resources, tips for sample collecting, plant eradication and other relevant topics.

NOTE: Whether or not you register, we still hope you will be on the lookout for the target invasive plants and report any findings to:

Courtney LeClair
Invasive Plant Education, Early Detection, and Mapping Specialist
WI Department of Natural Resources
101 S. Webster St.
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Phone: (608) 267-7438

The Wisconsin Invasive Plants Reporting & Prevention Project is an Early Detection and Strategic Response initiative Co-sponsored by the Wisconsin DNR and the Wisconsin State Herbarium, with the cooperation of many organizations and individuals.

For More Project Information Contact:

Courtney LeClair
Invasive Plant Education, Early Detection, and Mapping Specialist
WI Department of Natural Resources
101 S. Webster St.
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Phone: (608) 267-7438