National Invasive Weed Awareness Week - February 22 through February 26, 2010

California Invasive Weed Awareness Week - July 19 through July 25, 2010

Invasive plants are one of the greatest threats to the integrity of native habitats and ecosystems. Invasive weeds are known to heavily colonize habitats with an adverse effect on their adapted environment. In northern California, invasive weeds reduce plant and animal diversity, restrict dune movement, and may create a fire hazard.

Invasive Weed Awareness Weeks were established to educate the public about invasive weeds and to encourage citizens to help preserve their National Parks and public lands by removing invasive weeds. In support of Invasive Weeds Awareness Weeks, volunteers are welcome to join Point Reyes staff in local invasive plant removal workdays to protect native plant communities. Tools and work gloves are provided by the Seashore, but volunteers need to bring their own water and lunch, and to dress warmly.

The Eleventh Annual National Invasive Weeds Awareness Week (NIWAW 11) is scheduled to be held the week of February 22 to February 26, 2010, to bring people and groups from across the country together to focus national attention on the severe impacts caused by invasive weeds. Visit the North American Weed Management Association website for more information.

California Invasive Weeds Awareness Week (CIWAW) is an annual event that brings attention to the problems caused by invasive plants in California, and to the work of local groups that work to protect our natural areas and rangelands. In 2004, the California state legislature signed a proclamation declaring California Invasive Weeds Awareness Week to begin the third Monday of July each year.

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Volunteer Opportunities:

Volunteer workdays for the 2010 Invasive Weeds Awareness Weeks have yet to be scheduled. Please check back about one month beforehand to find out what Point Reyes National Seashore has planned.

In addition to hosting volunteer workdays during Invasive Weed Awareness Weeks, Point Reyes National Seashore invites the public to participate in regular Habitat Restoration Program workdays or to become a Weed Watcher.

If you can’t make it out to volunteer but would still like to get involved, see how you can make a difference from your own home at the CALIPC Responsible Landscaping webpage.

Download "Plants out of Place" Invasive Plant ID cards. If you see any of these plants in the park, take a photo of it and note where you found the plant, and then LET US KNOW! Contact Ellen Hamingson at 415-464-5196 or by email.

To learn more about invasive plants, visit the California Invasive Plant Council website.

Download the Don’t Plant Pest Brochure (554 KB PDF)

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Below are some brief descriptions of the opportunities that were planned for past Invasive Weed Awareness Weeks. If you, as an individual or as a group, would like more information or wish to participate in any future Invasive Weeds Awareness Weeks at Point Reyes, please contact Ellen Hamingson at 415-464-5196 or by email.

CIWAW 2009
On Tuesday, July 21, 2009, three volunteers joined the park's Restoration Biologist and four interns to remove non-native, invasive oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) from Lake Ranch. On Sunday, July 26, 2009, six volunteers joined the park's Habitat Restoration Coordinator to remove non-native, invasive capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) from Tomales Point. The volunteers enjoyed a beautiful morning hike with magnificent views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Afterwards, the volunteers were free to explore the Elk Reserve after the event, and hike to the tip of Tomales Point for a breathtaking ocean view.
Download our 2009 California Invasive Weeds Awareness Week flyer (297 KB PDF).

CIWAW 2008
On Sunday, July 27, 2008, volunteers joined our Habitat Restoration Program crew and Vegetation Management staff remove invasive cape ivy, periwinkle, and capeweed from the historic Pierce Point Ranch area. Volunteers learned about the impacts of invasive plant species in the park and got involved with some hands-on participation. Participants had opportunities to check out the historic displays at the Pierce Ranch, the Tule Elk, and the incredible views that Tomales Point has to offer. On Wednesday, July 23, 2008, visitors had the opportunity to help Vegetation Management staff, along with Crissy Field interns, remove invasive capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) from Tomales Point. Participants enjoyed a scenic three mile hike, during which they were able to see the majestic Tule Elk and plentiful wildflowers in bloom.

NIWAW 9
On Sunday, February 24, 2008, volunteers joined members of Point Reyes' Habitat Restoration Program (HRP) to dig out European beachgrass, helping to restore open dune systems for the benefit of endangered Western snowy plovers, Tidestrom's lupine, beach layia, and a number of other rare dune annual plants. On Monday, February 25, 2008, volunteers joined Point Reyes restoration staff to remove vinca, thistles, and Monterey cypress near the Muddy Hollow trailhead. On Wednesday, February 27, 2008, volunteers joined Point Reyes restoration staff, along with San Jose Middle School (led by Youth in Service of the Environment), for a fun day at Limantour Beach removing iceplant and learning invasive species ecology.

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