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.

Are you planning to host an invasive species event during Action Week? Submit your event information so we can add you to the Schedule of Events! We'll add online events, too!

Download Action Week brochures (PDF) or art contest flyers (PDF) to help recruit event hosts, volunteers, or youth participants! Printed 2020 posters now available! Email Invasives@wildlife.ca.gov and tell us how many to send you!

How Can You Participate?

• Check the 2019 Schedule of Events (PDF) or the CISAW event map (below) to find an event near you. (2020 events will be added in May.)
  • Volunteer for invasive species removal/habitat restoration projects.
  • Attend an educational workshop or youth activity
  • Online events will also be included
• Find out which species are threats to California.
• Join the statewide citizen science effort to monitor for quagga mussels.
• Make sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry (PDF) your boat after each outing.
• Learn about California’s invasive plants.
• 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.
• Join the iNaturalist project, California Nerodia Watch, and help us find Nerodia watersnakes.
• Learn alternatives to releasing unwanted fish, aquatic plants, and other pets.
• Get to know your local invaders.
• Eat them. Yes, really. Check out these interesting websites to find out who is edible and how to prepare them.
  • Invasive-eats.com (California-specific)
  • Invasivore.org
  • EatTheWeeds.com
  • EatTheInvaders.org
• Share your knowledge.
• 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.
• Have you spotted an invasive species? Tell us where by reporting your sighting.

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