JUNE 2026

Aquatic Invasive Species Newsletter

A Growing Invasive Purple Loosestrife
Photo credit: Kori Halstead, WAMSCO

Hi Subscriber First Name,

This summer, take action against the spread of AIS!

Summer is here, which means it's time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Whether you're boating, fishing, paddling, camping, or hiking, everyone can play a role in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).

Many invasive species spread when tiny plant fragments, seeds, mud, or organisms hitch a ride on boats, trailers, fishing gear, footwear, and outdoor equipment. Before leaving a waterbody, remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry all boats, kayaks, canoes, fishing equipment, and gear.

If you're spending time on hiking trails or at campgrounds, be sure to use boot brushes whenever they are available. Seeds and invasive plant fragments can easily become trapped in boot treads and be carried to new locations. Taking a few extra moments to brush off your boots and clean your equipment can help protect the waterways and natural areas we all enjoy.

Best Ways to Prevent the Spread This Summer

Kicking off the Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Season

WAMSCO has officially kicked off another season of our Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Program! This year, we're excited to continue our partnership with Menominee County while also welcoming Oconto County to the effort. By working together across county lines, we're expanding our ability to manage one of Wisconsin's most recognizable invasive plants.

Purple Loosestrife may be beautiful with its vibrant pink and purple flowers, but it can quickly take over wetlands, shorelines, and waterways, crowding out native plants and reducing wildlife habitat.

Earlier this month, we collected and dug up Purple Loosestrife plants that will be grown inside our mass-rearing cage. These plants will serve as a nursery for Galerucella beetles—small brown beetles that feed exclusively on Purple Loosestrife and leave native plants alone.

As the plants begin blooming later this summer, the beetle population will multiply rapidly inside the rearing cage. By August, we expect to have thousands of beetles ready for release at sites where Purple Loosestrife is beginning to dominate the landscape.

Biological control is one of the most effective and environmentally friendly tools available for managing this invasive species, and we're excited to continue helping wetlands across northeastern Wisconsin.

Join Us for an Invasive Species Workshop on Gibson Island!

It’s almost Invasive Species Awareness Weekend (ISAW)!

Interested in learning more about invasive species and what you can do to help stop their spread?

Join WAMSCO and the Timberland Invasive Partnership (TIP) for a free educational workshop on:

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Gibson Island, Cloverleaf Lakes

Participants will enjoy a guided walk through the scenic trails of Gibson Island while learning how to identify some of the most common terrestrial and aquatic invasive species found in our region. We'll discuss their impacts, current management efforts, and practical steps everyone can take to prevent their spread.

Whether you're a waterfront property owner, outdoor enthusiast, gardener, or simply curious about invasive species, this workshop is a great opportunity to learn more while exploring one of Shawano County's most unique natural areas.

Email Brianna to RSVP! — timberlandinvasives@outlook.com

WDNR Article on Taking Action on ISAW

The 5th Annual Where's WAMSCO Scavenger Hunt is Here!

Think you've got what it takes to track down WAMSCO's hidden treasure boxes?

From June 19 – July 19, 2026, WAMSCO will have four TREASURE BOXES hidden near four different waterways throughout Shawano County.

Each week, we'll release a clue for each location in the form of a riddle on our website and social media pages. Your mission is to solve the clues, find the treasure boxes, and snap a team photo with each one.

Will you be able to find all four?

How to Enter:

1. Register HERE!

2. Find all four treasure box locations.

3. Take a team photo with each treasure box.

4. Email all four photos together to wamsco.outreach@gmail.com with the subject line:
   "Team Name WW Entry"

5. Be sure to include the team name you submitted when registering.

Everyone who successfully completes the challenge will be entered into a drawing for AWESOME PRIZES!

Questions?
Phone: (715) 851-7897
Email: wamsco.outreach@gmail.com

Prize Pickup Location:
1263 S. Main Street
Shawano, WI 54166

Gather your friends and family, explore Shawano County's waterways, and see if your team can uncover all four hidden treasures!

See Something Suspicious? Report It!

Early detection is one of the most effective ways to prevent invasive species from becoming established in new areas. If you think you've found an invasive species that isn't already known to occur in your area, don't assume someone else has reported it—your observation could provide valuable information for management efforts and could even save thousands of dollars in future management costs.

The Wisconsin DNR encourages citizens to report suspected invasive species using the state's online invasive species reporting system. Photos, location information, and a brief description can help experts verify the identification and determine whether follow-up action is needed.

Residents of Shawano County can also contact WAMSCO's Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, Kori Halstead, at wamsco.edu@gmail.com for assistance with identification or reporting. If you're unsure whether a plant, insect, fish, or other organism is invasive, don't hesitate to reach out. We'd much rather investigate a false alarm than miss an opportunity to stop a new invasive species before it spreads.

By keeping an eye out and reporting what you find, you become an important part of protecting our lakes, rivers, wetlands, forests, and native wildlife.

Volunteer with WAMSCO

Interested in other projects?

Here are a few examples of how you can contribute:

• Assist in planting native gardens and rain gardens

• Help maintain public plantings that were installed in the community

• Seed collect from native plants in the fall

• Contribute to waterway monitoring by collecting data through our WAV or CLMN partnership programs

• Become a board member and contribute to decision making

Reach out today at wamsco.outreach@gmail.com or (715) 851-7897

Check out our Volunteer Opportunities page and newsletters for upcoming volunteer events & projects!

Join WAMSCO!

Are you interested in becoming a member or making a donation?

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