Invasive Species Awareness Week

The goal of Invasive Species Awareness Week is to educate the public about the problems caused by invasive plant species. To get involved and learn more you can:
• Choose native or non-invasive plants for your yard and garden
• Learn more about invasive plants and how to identify them
• Get involved by attending an educational workshop in your area
• Attend a weed pulling workday

The State decided to recognize Invasive Species Awareness Week in part due to the fact that invasive plants impose negative impacts to:
• Human health
• Recreational opportunities on land and in the water
• Native plants and animals
• Natural systems
• Drinking water sources


NC Invasive Species Awareness Week includes:

• More and better news media coverage of events around the state.

• Workshops around the state to educate consumers.

Information and Presentation from NC Invasive Species Awareness Week 2012: George Morris and Maggie Porell - 2nd Annual Invasive Species Awareness Week Community Outreach and Education

Educator Resources

Noxious Neighbors
-6th-12th grade introductory invasive lesson plans 
Aquatic Nuisance Species Lesson Plans
​-Aquatic lesson plans for 4th-12th grade
Close the Doors
​-All age lesson plan introducing concept of introduced invasive species 
Invader Rangers: Youth Against Invasive Plants
​-Children's activity book with word search, crossword, matching, etc.
Get a Grip on Biodiversity
-Activities for 1st-10th graders highlighting importance of biodiversity
Meet the Invaders
-All age activities to portray specific invasive species in the US
Non-indigenous Species Activities for Youth
-Activities to approach topics of non-indigenous species
Designing the Perfect Plant
​-Creating the ideal plant through an engaging activity for older children
Unwanted Travel Partners
​-Experiment and discover an "alien" invasion,for grades 5-8 
Aquarium Capers
​-Follow up of "Unwanted Travel Partners", use science to fight plant growth
Urban Integrated Pest Management
-Explore the common sense practice to manage urban pest (Elementary)
Green Invaders: Study Guide
​-Large informative pamphlet for all ages with activities 
Green Invaders: Activities
-Geared at older age students to focus on ecological impact of invasives
Invaders of the Forest
​-Identification plants with a focus on invasive species (All Ages) 

Games
National Inquirer Game (answers)
Invasive Species Matching Game
Alien Invaders

Songs (Humorous but informative songs regarding invasive species) 
Preventing the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species: Music with a Message
L-Unit - "The Invaders" (Invasive Species Science Rap)

Videos (Short Videos highlighting some common invasive plants in NC)
The Invaders: Tree of Heaven
The Invaders: Autumn Olive
The Invaders: Japanese Knotweed
The Invaders: Garlic Mustard
The Invaders: Mile-a-Minute 

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If It's Green, It's Good? Invasive Species in our Backyards from Margie Hunter on Vimeo.

Invasive Species Presentations
Aquatic Invasive Species and Water Gardening (script)
-Tips on aquatic gardening and control of non-native threats
Sustainable Landscaping (Landscaping with Natives)
​-Presentation on replacing exotics with natives to restore balance
Invasive Plants 101
-Great resource to define what an invasive is with numerous examples
Controlling Invasive Plants in Your Landscape
​-Practical ways individuals and landowners can address invasives

Exhibit Materials 
Plant This - Not That (NC Botanical Garden Exhibit):
- What is Invasive?
- Protect the Natives
- Florida Azalea Poster
- Jessamine Poster
- Passion Flower Poster
- Pawpaw Poster
- Silverbell Poster
- Virginia Creeper Poster

Publications
Teaching About Invasive Species
National Inquirer - Invasive Species Edition
Invasive Exotic Plants of North Carolina
Nonnative Invasive Plants of Southern Forests
Field Guide for Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests
Management Guide for Invasive Plants in Southern Forests
Mistaken Identity? Invasive Plants and their Native Look-alikes
Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas
Controlling Invasive Plants
Hydrilla and Brazilian Elodea
Invaders of the Forest
Aquatic Invasive Species Handbook
What is an Invasive Plant?
Green Invaders (article from National Geographic Kids)

Phone Applications
NCSU Aquatic Plant Identification App