Our Multi-Year Invasive Species Project

2015

Our invasive species campaign

(buckthorn, barberry, non-native honeysuckle)

is the MIWP's biggest multi-year project ever.

Here's a quick timeline:

2007

• Buckthorn Task Force established.

2008

BUCKTHORN BUCKAROOS PARADE ENTRY

WASHBURN BOY SCOUT TROOP

• Fourth of July parade theme: Buckthorn Buckaroos!

• Organized volunteer work days.

• Washburn boy scout troop helps out.

2009-2010

• Organized volunteer work days.

2011

• Realizing that there is more work than can be done with volunteers only, MIWP and Town of La Pointe jointly host an AmeriCorps group to cut buckthorn. MIWP donates $20,000 in housing and materials. Unfortunately the AmeriCorps group is pulled early to deal with crises elsewhere. 

2013

ETHAN ROSSING – INVASIVE SPECIES INTERN (AND TURTLE WRANGLER)

• MIWP and Town of La Pointe jointly hire two invasive species interns (Ethan Rossing for 5 months, Stephen Thielking for two months). MIWP donates $10,000 outright, and $15,000 from a Wisconsin DNR grant, as well as housing for the interns and intern management.

• Concentration on mapping of invasive species; cutting buckthorn and barberry; landowner involvement and education; and a comprehensive five year plan.

2014

BLAKE ROMENESKO AND HAYLEY WEYERS 

• MIWP and Town of La Pointe jointly hire two invasive species interns (Hayley Weyers and Blake Romenesko, each for three months). MIWP donates $10,000 outright and $13,000 from a Wisconsin DNR grant. MIWP also provides housing and intern oversight.

• Interns do lots of cutting and working with landowners.

2015

• MIWP is actively seeking a renewed DNR grant as well as grants from other sources. MIWP is working with Northland College which has been a wonderful source of excellent student interns. 

• Fourth of July parade theme: Madeline's Invasive Species!