Indiana Invasive Species Awareness Week - Day 2

CISMA Highlight - Jasper County Invasives Initiative

with Mandi Glanz, SICIM Northwest Regional Specialist

Several counties throughout Northwest Indiana have recently formed or are in the process of forming a Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA). CISMAs are grassroots organizations that build partnerships to enhance conservation efforts on a local level. CISMAs raise awareness about the negative impacts of invasive species. They also provide invasive species management resources to community members. Jasper County is an exemplary example of how partners came together to form a CISMA.

Throughout this past year, the Jasper County CISMA has made huge organizational strides including finalizing their name, mission statement, and logo. The group’s name is Jasper County Invasives Initiative. Developing a mission statement is essential, as it outlines the CISMA’s main objectives and exemplifies their role within the community. After thorough discussion, the group finalized their mission statement: To educate, engage and empower local citizens on invasive species in Jasper County

Jasper County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) District Executive Director, Shelby Keys, states “by joining the Jasper County Invasives Initiative, I have learned how detrimental invasive species are to our land. This initiative is a giant effort from different conservation partners to create a community-led group that helps educate citizens about invasive species and the proper treatment of them. My biggest goal for the group is to enhance public awareness of invasive species within Jasper County”.

Designing a logo is also important, as it illustrates the CISMA. Countryside Landscaping, a local business, donated their time and expertise to designing an amazing logo for Jasper County Invasives Initiative. Countryside Landscaping is one of many partners that continues to propel the success of the CISMA. 

Jasper County Invasives Initiative is currently promoting several invasive species projects. The CISMA is partnering with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Jasper County SWCD, Purdue Extension- Jasper County, as well as other partners, for the county’s first Weed Wrangle® event at Indiana Prairie Border Nature Preserve. View event details and register here. Or to find a Weed Wrangle event near you, visit SICIM’s Weed Wrangle® Indiana page. Also, Jasper County SWCD is currently accepting applications for a Residential Invasive Buy-Back Program for county residents. If you are not sure what invasive plants are on your property, and you are interested in providing quality pollinator or wildlife habitat, schedule a free landowner survey with our SICIM Regional Specialist in your area.

Jasper County Invasives Initiative is looking for new members that are interested in learning more about invasive species and local conservation. Jasper County SWCD Conservation Specialist, Derek Carty, explains “by joining the Jasper County Invasives Initiative, I have learned how detrimental invasive species are to our land. This initiative is a giant effort from different conservation partners to create a community-led group that helps educate citizens about invasive species and the proper treatment of them. My biggest goal for the group is to enhance public awareness of invasive species within Jasper County”.

Invasive Callery pear trees in Jasper County, photos by Derek Carty

To learn more about Jasper County Invasives Initiative, visit their webpage at www.jaspercountyswcd.org/jaspercountyinvasivesinitiative and like them on Facebook www.facebook.com/jaspercounty.ii.  To find an Indiana CISMA near you, visit www.sicim.info/cismas. 

Stay tuned throughout the week to see more highlights of CISMAs or other partners and their efforts for improved land management. Be sure to visit the Indiana Invasives Initiative linktree to read more and find events in your area.