California Invasive Species Action Week

Saturday, June 3 – Sunday, June 11, 2023

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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 a printable Action Week poster (coming soon).

How Can You Participate?

• Participate in live or virtual events from local organizations or in your neighborhood, or play one of our fun activities:
  • 2022 Schedule of Events (PDF) - See map at bottom of page(opens in new tab)
  • Digital Scavenger Hunt (PDF)
  • "Unite to Fight Invasive Species" Word Search (PDF) - Can you find them all?
  • "Unite to Fight Invasive Species" Crossword (PDF) - Test your knowledge of invasive species!
  • Spot the Difference (PDF): 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 for daily posts
• Other ways to participate year-round
  
  • Volunteer for invasive species removal/habitat restoration projects.
  • Attend an educational workshop or youth activity
• Find out which species are threats to California.
• Join the statewide citizen science effort to monitor for invasive species.
• Make sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry (PDF) your boat after each outing.
• Learn about California’s invasive plants(opens in new tab).
• Select native or non-invasive plants for your garden.
• Remove invasive plants from your property.
• Monitor plants and trees for symptoms of infestations and disease.
• Use only certified "weed-free" forage, hay, seed, mulch, soil, and gravel.
• Avoid spreading forest pests: buy your firewood where you burn it
• Prevent the spread of plant pathogens that damage and kill California's native plants and trees.
• Learn alternatives to releasing 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.