Article courtesy of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
In Wisconsin, June is Invasive Species Action Month (ISAM). Invasive species are defined as nonnative organisms whose introduction can cause harm to the environment, the economy, or pose threats to human health. ISAM, established by the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council, began in 2005 with goals of raising awareness and promoting action on invasive species in Wisconsin.
As a part of ISAM, the Council initiated the annual Invasive Species Action Awards to reward, support and promote the individuals, groups and organizations around the state taking exemplary action on invasive species. Award recipients conduct a variety of work focused on invasives, including educating their communities, organizing events such as volunteer workdays, conducting critical monitoring efforts to detect populations early, and coordinating response efforts. 2026 marks the 22nd annual recognition of these awards, with 204 awards given out as of this year.
The 2025 cohort of Invasive Species Action Award winners stand with their award plaques. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
To help build upon the foundations of ISAM and further its goals, staff at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources piloted Invasive Species Awareness Weekend in 2024. This program encourages organizations around the state to host invasive species related events during the third weekend in June, resulting in opportunities for folks across Wisconsin to get outside, learn and take action. In 2026, Awareness Weekend is taking place on June 20 and 21. View the list of 2026 Awareness Weekend events and find an event in your area!
Attendees at the Platteville Community Arboretum’s 2025 Awareness Weekend workday remove invasive plants. / Photo Credit: Platteville Community Arboretum
To learn more about ISAM, the Action Awards and Awareness Weekend visit the department’s invasive species events and volunteering page.