A map of the current Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) in Wisconsin. / Map Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Erika Segerson-Mueller, DNR Invasive Plant Program Specialist, Oshkosh Service Center;
Erika.SegersonMueller@wisconsin.gov or 715-492-0391
When it comes to fighting invasive plants, Wisconsin’s Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) are often the first line of defense (and offense).
These regional groups provide a localized resource for landowners looking for invasive plant education, identification support and assistance with controlling invasives on their properties.
With 13 CISMAs operating throughout Wisconsin, these groups accomplish a lot each year. CISMA efforts range from fieldwork outings and landowner education workshops to tool-share programs and day-long, control-based field trips.
Ready to get involved with your local CISMA? Check out the website or social media of your area’s CISMA for updates or contact the coordinator to join a group.
Check out the list of CISMA-based events coming up in October and November. More information for each event can be found on the respective CISMA’s website.
CWIP Central Wisconsin Invasives Partnership (CWIP) and Northeast Wisconsin Invasives Partnership (NEWIP): CWIP — Marathon, Wood, Portage, Juneau, Adams, Waushara, Marquette and Green Lake counties; NEWIP — Brown, Outagamie, Waupaca and Winnebago counties
CWIP and NEWIP Steering Committee Meetings and Hike: Oct. 8
Location: Mosquito Hill Nature Center, N3880 Rogers Road, New London
The day will consist of the steering committee meetings, a presentation on phragmites, a catered lunch and a group hike. Individuals who are not officially part of a steering committee are welcome to join in on either meeting. There is no cost to attend this event. People are welcome to join for any part of the event they wish. Register to attend using the meeting Google form.
Monroe County Invasive Species Working Group (MCISWG): Monroe County
Field Day and Group Meeting: Oct. 16
Location: Norwalk, WI 54648
Join MCISWG for their October meeting and field day. The morning field day includes a hayride tour of property owned by member Joey Esterline. A provided lunch is followed by the group’s board meeting; a full agenda for the day is available on MCISWG’s website.
RSVP for this event by emailing Clint Gilman at Clint.Gilman@Wisconsin.gov.
Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium (SEWISC): Kenosha, Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties
2024 Annual Educational Symposium: Nov. 6
Location: Havenwoods State Forest Environmental Awareness Center, 6141 N Hopkins St., Milwaukee
Learn about SEWISC and what they’ve been up to! Join for their annual symposium featuring award presentations, raffles, refreshments and keynote speaker Becky Gray, the Wisconsin DNR’s forest health team leader. The symposium is free and open to the public.