National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is taking place from February 23 to 27, 2026. The event focuses on educating the public about invasive species, their impacts, and methods to prevent their spread.
Individuals are encouraged to take specific actions such as adhering to regulations that limit the movement of animals and plant products. Resources like the Don’t Pack a Pest website and information from the California Department of Food and Agriculture are available for guidance.
Another recommendation is to purchase firewood locally rather than transporting it, as moving firewood can introduce pests to new regions. More details can be found at dontmovefirewood.org.
When selecting plants for landscaping, people are advised to choose non-invasive species. Guidance is provided by the PlantRight website and the California Invasive Plant Council’s Don’t Plant a Pest initiative.
Those interested in learning more about invasive species can register for free webinars hosted by the North American Invasive Species Management Association or explore resources from UC IPM’s Invasive & Exotic Pests pages and webinar recordings. Additional information is available on the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Invasive Pests and Diseases homepage.
The public is also encouraged to help raise awareness by sharing information with friends and family.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) supports efforts related to invasive species through science-based practices shared statewide. The organization operates offices in all 58 California counties along with nine Research and Extension Centers serving as living laboratories across diverse ecosystems. UC ANR is affiliated with the University of California and applies university expertise through research, outreach initiatives, collaborations in farming, environmental conservation, wildfire protection, nutrition, food networks, and youth education. According to its official website, UC ANR has delivered these resources for over a century (https://ucanr.edu/).
Glenda Humiston serves as vice president of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (https://ucanr.edu/).
A photo provided highlights Bermuda buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprae), which is an invasive plant in California.