California Invasive Species Action Week

Saturday, June 1 - Sunday, June 9, 2024

Youth Art Contest
CISAW Youth Art Contest
children engaged in a project
Youth volunteers with the Mountains Restoration Trust help remove invasive red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) from Malibu Creek in Southern California. Photo by John Burnap.

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 2023 Schedule of Events (PDF)(opens in new tab) - 2024 Schedule coming May 2024. 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)(opens in new tab)(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.

    CISAW Partners

    Save the Bay logo - link opens in new window ARPF logo - link opens in new window National Park Service logo - link opens in new window CDFA logo - link opens in new window CA State Parks logo - link opens in new window Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy logo - link opens in new window Invasive Species Council of California logo - link opens in new window Mountains Restoration Trust logo - website opens in new window California Invasive Plant Council logo - link opens in new window Plant Right logo - link opens in new window in Tree People logo - lin opens in new window East Bay Regional Park District logo - link opens in a new window Bolsa Chica Land Trust logo - link opens in a new window Calflora logo - link opens in new window Marin Audubon Society logo - link opens in new window Golden Gate Audubon Society logo - link opens in new window League to Save Lake Tahoe logo - link opens in new window Friends of Five Creeks logo - link opens in new window Friends of Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve logo - link opens in new window Cosumnes River Preserve logo - link opens in new window Sacramento Valley Conservancy logo - link opens in new window USGS logo - link opens in new window Mother Nature's Backyard logo -link opens in new window CA Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom logo - link opens in new window UC_IPM logo - link opens in new window Mid Klamath Watershed Council logo - link opens in new window Save Mount Diablo logo - link to the website opens in a new window California Naturalist logo - link to website opens in new window University of California Cooperative Extension logo - link to website opens in new window Mattole Restoration Council logo - link to the website opens in new window San Diego River Park Foundation logo - link opens in new window Putah Creek Council logo - website opens in new window Agua Hedionda logo - link opens opens in new window Audubon Richardson Bay logo - link opens opens in new window Preserve Calavera - link opens opens in new window Santa Clara County Parks logo - link opens in new window Bioblitz logo - link opens in new window

    CDFW Invasive Species Program
    P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento CA 94244-2090
    Invasives@wildlife.ca.gov

    Fisheries Branch
    1010 Riverside Parkway, West Sacramento, CA 95605 | Fisheries@wildlife.ca.gov