Each spring, millions of landowners, volunteers, and professionals work tirelessly to protect and restore natural areas by removing invasive species. This work can sometimes feel overwhelming, but many of you are making incredible progress, and we all play an important role- even on a global scale. The Spring Invasive Species Challenge is a fun way to acknowledge that work, and build visual and numerical representations of our collective impact.
Though we may be spaced out geographically, we are all connected through the common purpose of ecological health. Whether your motivation is garden aesthetics, managing recreational areas, or preserving natural communities for the generations to come, we all know the importance of protecting biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and the natural systems that provide us with irreplaceable ecosystem services. The Spring Invasive Species Challenge is open to all- volunteers or professionals, groups or individuals. All you need to do is report the invasive species that you pull this spring!After reporting your numbers, take a moment to share your stories or photos from the field.
At the end of the season, participants are sorted into 3 weight classes and winners named. In addition to bragging rights, each winner will receive a free registration to The Stewardship Network Conference next January.
Feel free to reach out to Staff@stewardshipnetwork.org if you have any questions about the Challenge. Happy Pulling!