Winners of the 2025 Invasive Species Action Awards, given by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Wisconsin DNR

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced that the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council will accept nominations for the 22nd annual Invasive Species Action Awards through Feb. 15, 2026.

Award recipients are Wisconsin residents and organizations who have made significant contributions to prevent, control or eradicate invasive species that harm Wisconsin’s native forests, wildlife, wetlands, prairies, lakes and rivers.

Nominees can be individuals, groups or organizations who have demonstrated exemplary efforts to address issues surrounding terrestrial and aquatic invasive species.

The Wisconsin Invasive Species Council, an advisory council to the DNR, presents Invasive Species Action Awards for volunteer and professional categories. A panel of judges selected by the Council will review the nomination materials and select the award winners. All nominators and winners will be notified in April, followed by an award recognition ceremony in June to celebrate Invasive Species Action Month.

To submit a nomination, download and fill out the form available on the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council’s webpage. The deadline for submissions is midnight on Feb. 15, 2026.

Invasive species are non-native plants and animals that cause ecological or economic harm, and some can affect human health. Once an invasive species establishes in an area, it can be difficult to control.

Wisconsinites are encouraged to protect native plants and wildlife from invasive species by avoiding moving them or the materials that might harbor them to new places. To learn more about preventing their spread, visit the DNR invasive species prevention webpage.