California Invasive Species Action Week

Saturday, June 3 – Sunday, June 11, 2023

The goals of the California Invasive Species Action Week (CISAW) are to increase public awareness of invasive species issues and promote public participation in the fight against California's invasive species and their impacts on our natural resources.

Prevention is the most effective strategy in managing invasive species. However, hundreds of invasive plants and animals have already established in California and are rapidly spreading each year. These invaders are negatively impacting our waters, our native plants and animals (some of them rare, threatened, or endangered), our agriculture, our health, our economy, and our favorite recreational places. Help us celebrate California's Invasive Species Action Week, and more importantly, help stop the spread of invasive species, by volunteering to take action.

Hosting an in-person or virtual event? Submit your event information for our statewide schedule!

• Download Action Week flyer (PDF)

How Can You Participate?

• Participate in live or virtual events from local organizations or in your neighborhood, or play one of our fun activities:
  • 2023 Schedule of Events (PDF) - Also see map at bottom of this page.
  • Need ideas for events or social media? - Read the CISAW Toolkit (PDF)(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)
  • 2023 CISAW Word Puzzle (PDF) - Test your knowledge of invasive species! Send completed page to us to receive a sticker!
  • Spot the Difference (PDF)(opens in new tab): Can you tell the difference between native and invasive species?
  • Invasive Lunch Webinars
  • Learn about our scientists' work on invasive aquatic plants, invasive mussels, and in High Mountain lakes.
  • Watch CDFW's Facebook page(opens in new tab) for daily posts
• Other ways to participate year-round
  
  • Volunteer for invasive species removal/habitat restoration projects.
  • Attend an educational workshop or youth activity
• Join the statewide citizen science effort to monitor for invasive species.
• Make sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry (PDF)(opens in new tab) your boat after each outing.
• Learn about California’s invasive plants(opens in new tab).
• Select native or non-invasive plants for your garden(opens in new tab).
• Remove invasive plants from your property.
• Use only certified "weed-free"(opens in new tab) forage, hay, seed, mulch, soil, and gravel.
• Avoid spreading forest pests: buy your firewood where you burn it(opens in new tab)
• Prevent the spread of plant pathogens(opens in new tab) that damage and kill California's native plants and trees.
• Learn alternatives to releasing(opens in new tab) unwanted fish, aquatic plants, and other pets.
• Get to know your local invaders.
• Eat them(opens in new tab). Yes, really. Find out who is edible and how to prepare them.
• Visit your favorite local, state, or national park, ecological reserve, recreational area, or nature center and ask about their volunteer programs.
• Learn how to prevent the spread of invasive species during your outdoor adventures from PlayCleanGo(opens in new tab).
• Have you spotted an invasive species? Tell us where by reporting your sighting.

For questions or assistance, contact Invasives@wildlife.ca.gov.