Get educated on how to handle invasive species

The Hamilton County Invasives Partnership (HIP) has announced the upcoming Hamilton County Invasive Species Awareness Week, taking place April 8 to 15. This annual event is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of invasive species and encourage residents to take action to protect the local environment.

Throughout the week, HIP will hold a variety of educational events and activities, including:

• Invasive Species & Native Alternatives for your Home Landscape workshop at Westfield Washington Public Library at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11
• Weed Wrangle volunteer event at Inlow Park in Carmel on Friday, April 14
• Weed Wrangle volunteer events at Fall Creek Woods Nature Area in Fishers, Potter’s Bridge Park in Noblesville, and Midland Trace Trail in Westfield, all on Saturday, April 15
• HIP Strike Team at Coxhall Gardens Park in Carmel on Saturday, April 15

In addition, HIP will share information and resources on social media using the hashtag #HCISAW. Follow the Hamilton County Invasives Partnership on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest events and activities. Five-gallon buckets to be used in invasive species management efforts, particularly garlic mustard, will also be available for participants at volunteer events or directly from the Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) office during business hours.

“Hamilton County Invasive Species Awareness Week is an opportunity for all of us to come together and learn about the destruction invasives species cause to our beloved parks and natural areas and our yards,” HIP Spokesperson Claire Lane said. “Invasive species are a growing threat to our native ecosystems, and it’s up to all of us to take action to prevent their spread.”

HIP is a collaborative effort between the Hamilton County SWCD, local parks departments and conservation organizations, and concerned citizens and property managers. Together, they work to control the spread of invasive species and restore native habitats in Hamilton County.

For more information about Hamilton County Invasive Species Awareness Week or to get involved, visit hcinvasives.org or email hcinvasives@hamiltoncounty.in.gov.

About the Hamilton County Invasives Partnership
The Hamilton County Invasives Partnership (HIP) was established in 2019 as the county’s Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA).  he Partnership serves to unite landowners and managers, organizations, and citizens in the battle against invasive species and the destruction they cause across the county.