Timberland Invasives Partnership

07/16/2026

☀️SUMMER BINGO: Invasive Species Edition🌱

Have you started your TIP Summer Bingo yet?

Summer is flying by, but there's still plenty of time to get outside and complete your bingo card! Whether you're hiking a trail, working in your garden, or visiting a park, keep an eye out for invasive species and other bingo activities.

📸 We'd love to see your progress!
✔️ Share photos of the squares you've completed.
💬 Tell us how many you've checked off in the comments.
🏷️ Tag Timberland Invasives Partnership in your posts.
👥 Invite a friend or family member to join the challenge!

How many squares can you complete before summer ends?? Get outside and start exploring!

07/13/2026

🚨 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐫 🚨⁣
Poison Hemlock (𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘮) 🌿⁣
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Poison hemlock is a prohibited, invasive biennial plant that invades roadsides, fields, streambanks, disturbed areas, and floodplains. ⚠️Poison hemlock is a 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜 flowering plant, and all parts of the plant are poisonous to humans, livestock and wildlife if ingested. Contact with the plant may also cause skin irritation in some individuals, so avoid handling it without proper protection. ⁣
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🌿 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦:⁣
✔️ Leaves: Finely divided, fern-like, bright green leaves that are 8-16 inches long and emit an unpleasant odor when crushed⁣
✔️ Stems: Smooth, hollow, green stems with distinctive purple blotches or streaks.⁣
✔️ Flowers: Numerous small, five-petaled white flowers in umbels 4-6 inches across; blooms from May - August⁣
✔️ Seeds: Ridged and flat; a single plant produces over 30,000 seeds⁣
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🚫 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦:⁣
• Highly toxic to humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife.⁣
• Invades roadsides, fields, streambanks, disturbed areas, riparian woodlands, and floodplains.⁣
• Produces over 30,000 seeds per plant, allowing infestations to spread rapidly.⁣
• Dense populations can outcompete native vegetation and are difficult to eradicate once established⁣
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💚 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐨:⁣
• Learn to identify poison hemlock before it sets seed.⁣
• 𝘈𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘥 handling the plant without gloves and protective clothing.⁣
• Do not mow or trim mature plants, as this can spread seeds and expose you to plant sap.⁣
• Report suspected infestations and remove small populations before they become established, using appropriate safety precautions.⁣
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🌱 Timberland Invasives Partnership has an identified population of poison hemlock in Langlade County that is being controlled and monitored by Langlade County Forestry staff. If you believe to have spotted poison hemlock, let us know!⁣
📧 [email protected]

07/07/2026

We appreciate the help of UW-Extension and the WI DNR to identify and confirm the presence of pale swallow-wort, and for their efforts to spread the word! Keep an eye out this summer!

The pale swallow-wort has been confirmed by the DNR in Oconto and Shawano counties, affecting native populations in forests and grasslands.

To learn more, click the link in the comments ⬇️

06/26/2026

🌿 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐩 🌿

This past weekend, Timberland Invasives Partnership (TIP) partnered with Waterways Association of Menominee and Shawano Counties, Inc. (WAMSCO) for a morning of invasive species education at Gibson Island.

🌱 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬
TIP Coordinator, Brianna discussed terrestrial invasive species found in Shawano County and demonstrated how community members can report sightings using EDDMapS.

💧 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬
WAMSCO Administrator and Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Kori Halstead shared information on aquatic invasive species and their impacts on local waterways.

🚶 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤
Following the presentations, attendees joined us for a walk around Gibson Island to practice invasive species identification and reporting. Along the way, we found roundleaf bittersweet, Dame's rocket, common buckthorn, bush honeysuckle, and black locust.

🦪 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Kori then demonstrated aquatic plant sampling using a rake toss from the shoreline, where participants observed zebra mussels, an invasive species that can significantly impact lake ecosystems.

🤝 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮!
Thank you to Kori and WAMSCO for partnering with us, and to everyone who attended, asked questions, and participated throughout the event. Community involvement is essential to protecting our forests, lakes, and native habitats from invasive species.

06/17/2026

☀️SUMMER BINGO: Invasive Species Edition🌱

Looking for a fun way to explore the outdoors and learn more about invasive species this summer? We've got you covered!

Our Summer Bingo card is a great way to get outside, look for local invasive species, and take action to prevent the spread of invasives. Whether you're hiking, gardening, camping, or just enjoying your backyard, there's a good chance you'll be able to check off a few squares!

How to play:
✅ Save the bingo card
✅ Complete a row, column, diagonal, or the entire card!
📸 Snap photos of the squares you complete
💬 Comment below with your progress
🏷️ Tag Timberland Invasives Partnership in your posts
👥 Challenge a friend or family member to join the fun

How many squares can you complete before summer ends??

06/10/2026

🌿𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖? June is Invasive Species Action Month!🌿

That's right - an 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦 month is dedicated to taking action and raising awareness to avoid spreading invasive species!

Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, insects, and diseases that cause environmental or economic harm, or pose threats to human health. Invasive species spread rapidly and aggressively, outcompeting their native counterparts, disrupting ecosystems, and reducing biodiversity.

Wisconsin's invasive species rule (NR 40) makes it unlawful to transport, transfer, introduce, or possess certain invasive species in Wisconsin without a permit. Invasive species are classified as "Restricted" or "Prohibited," based on several factors such as level of harm they cause, extent of their presence in Wisconsin, potential for controlling, and socio-economic impacts.

This June, Timberland Invasives Partnership (TIP) is encouraging everyone to take simple actions to do your part to stop the spread:
✅ Stay on designated trails
✅ Remove dirt, mud, and seeds from clothing, footwear, equipment, and pets when entering or leaving natural areas
✅ Learn to identify and remove invasive species on your property
✅ Plant native species that support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife
✅ Buy and burn local firewood—don't move firewood long distances
✅ Clean boats, trailers, and fishing equipment before moving between waterbodies
✅ Report suspected invasive species sightings
✅ Connect with local organizations working to manage invasive species in your area
✅ Attend an event during Invasive Species Awareness Weekend—like TIP's Invasive Species Awareness Weekend Event on June 20!

Every action, big or small, helps prevent the spread of invasive species and protects Wisconsin's natural resources.

Want to learn more or join us for TIP's ISAW event? Check out our page for event details or email us at [email protected]. Everyone is welcome!💚

06/09/2026

🚨 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐫 🚨

Swallow-worts (𝘝𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘮 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘳𝘶𝘮 & 𝘝. 𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘮) 🌿🦋

⚠️ Both black swallow-wort and pale swallow-wort are classified as Wisconsin NR40 Prohibited Species, meaning their transport, transfer, and introduction are prohibited because of the significant threat they pose to native ecosystems.

Black swallow-wort and pale swallow-wort are prohibited, invasive perennial vines that spread aggressively through forests, grasslands, and field edges. Though they may appear attractive when flowering, these plants can quickly overtake native vegetation and negatively impact wildlife, including monarch butterflies.

🌿 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦:

✔️ Leaves: Opposite, smooth, dark green, shiny leaves with pointed tips; 2–5 inches long
✔️ Flowers:
• Black swallow-wort: Dark purple flowers with 5 triangular, hairy petals arranged in a star shape
• Pale swallow-wort: Maroon to pale pink flowers with longer, hairless petals
• Both bloom June–July in small clusters

✔️ Fruits & Seeds: Slender pods resembling milkweed, 2–3 inches long, turning from green to tan as they mature. Seeds are attached to silky filaments that allow wind dispersal

🚫 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦:
• Invade forest understories, woodland edges, grasslands, and old fields
• Form dense patches that crowd out native plants
• Thrive in both sunny and shaded habitats
• Reduce habitat quality for wildlife
• Trick monarch butterflies into laying eggs on them, but caterpillars cannot survive on swallow-wort leaves 🦋
• Grassland bird populations decline as infestations expand
• Spread rapidly through both seeds and underground rhizomes

💚 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐨:

• Learn to identify swallow-worts before seed pods mature
• Avoid moving plants, pods, or contaminated soil
• Remove small infestations before they spread
• Monitor treated sites for regrowth from rhizomes
• Report sightings ASAP in your area

🌱 Timberland Invasives Partnership is currently working to control black swallow-wort in Oconto and Shawano Counties through a Wisconsin DNR WMA Rapid Response Grant. Early detection is critical, so if you spot swallow-wort, please let us know!

📧 [email protected]

06/09/2026

🌿🚨 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝! 🚨🌿

Timberland Invasives Partnership is teaming up with Waterways Association of Menominee and Shawano Counties, Inc. for a morning of hands-on learning about invasive species and how YOU can help protect our forests, lakes, and wildlife habitats.

📅 Saturday, June 20
⏰ 9:00 AM
📍 Gibson Island, Clintonville

🌱 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞! Whether you're a landowner, outdoor enthusiast, volunteer, student, or simply curious about invasive species, this event is for 𝘺𝘰𝘶.

Participants will learn:
✅ How to identify common terrestrial invasive species
✅ How to identify aquatic invasive species
✅ How to properly report invasive species using your smartphone

🎁 Plus, 6 lucky attendees will take home a handcrafted buckthorn walking stick! (Courtesy of the Wisconsin DNR, in collaboration with Friends of Lapham Peak Buckthorn Busters and McNaughton Correctional Center.)

Please come prepared:
👟 Wear closed-toe shoes
💧 Bring water
📱 Bring a smartphone if you have one

RSVP to Brianna:
📧 [email protected]

Help stop the spread of invasive species one observation at a time. We hope to see you there!

05/27/2026

💚 Thank You! 💚

Last week, Timberland Invasives Partnership hosted a garlic mustard pull at Springbrook Trail, and we’re incredibly thankful for the support from our community!

With the help of 10 volunteers from Wild Ones Northwoods Gateway Chapter, Langlade County Conservation, and Langlade County Forestry, we were able to remove nearly 18 bags of invasive garlic mustard and help protect the native plant communities along the trail.

Garlic mustard spreads quickly through wooded areas and crowds out important native species, so volunteer efforts like this play a major role in keeping our forests healthy.

Thank you again to everyone who donated their time and effort to support local conservation work. We appreciate your commitment to protecting our natural areas!

05/20/2026

Today is World Bee Day!🐝💛

Bees are small (but mighty) pollinators that are essential to healthy ecosystems. Habitat loss and invasive species continue to threaten their homes.

Timberland Invasives Partnership works to control and remove invasive species that crowd out native wildflowers and reduce critical habitat for bees and other pollinators.

💚Plant native when you can
💚Support healthy habitats
💚Help stop the spread of invasive species