Submodule 9: Where to Get More Information about Invasive Plants

Citizen Volunteer Activities/Organizations

Citizens from all over America are becoming involved in the fight against invasive species. There are many opportunities to get involved at all level of invasive species management, regardless of your experience, knowledge, expertise, or location. Because of the nature of invasive species and the different ecosystems found around the country, needs from state to state vary. Two things that do not vary are the tremendous need for volunteers, and the importance of education in letting people know of this great need. Many privately funded organizations are very active in invasive species management, or have the fight against invasive species as their sole purpose.

Let’s look at some opportunities and examples:

The Nature Conservancy Invasive Species Initiative offers advice on how to combat invasive species in your own backyard as well as information on how to get involved in larger efforts state by state.

 

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent nonprofit alliance of more than 100,000 concerned citizens and scientists that offers an overview of invasive species and how they adversely affect the environment.

 

The Volunteer Invasive Species Monitoring Program is sponsored by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Wildlife Refuge Association, The Nature Conservancy, and the National Institute of Invasive Species Science of the U.S. Geological Survey. Their role is to assess the harm done by non-native plants to native ecosystems.

 

The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) promotes research, education, and extension outreach activities related to weeds, and promotes the dissemination of information about weeds and their impacts.

 

The Western Society of Weed Science promotes education and research about western weeds. The website contains online learning modules covering a variety of western weed topics.

 

The Audubon Society Stop Invasives website contains general information about invasive species and how to get involved.