Protecting Washington's Environment and Economy from Harmful Invasive Species

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July 16, 2026  in  Olympia
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Invasive Species Awareness Week Was February 23-27

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Governor Declares Invasive Species Awareness Week in Washington

OLYMPIA–Gov. Bob Ferguson, in partnership with the Washington Invasive Species Council, has proclaimed February 23-27 as Washington Invasive Species Awareness Week, recognizing the ongoing threat invasive plants, animals and pathogens pose to the state. “Invasive species continue to threaten Washington’s lands, waters and communities,” Ferguson said. “Everyone—from students to farmers to outdoor enthusiasts—has a part […]

February 10, 2026Read More

Governor Declares Invasive Species Awareness Week

OLYMPIA–Gov. Bob Ferguson, in partnership with the Washington Invasive Species Council, has proclaimed February 24-28 as Washington Invasive Species Awareness Week in solidarity with National Invasive Species Awareness Week. “Invasive species and noxious weeds already are a big problem in Washington and species that have yet to reach our state could pose even greater challenges […]

February 10, 2025Read More

Invasive Species Council Recognizes Leaders

OLYMPIA–The Washington Invasive Species Council recognized three top leaders for achievements in managing and preventing the spread of invasive plants and animals at a first-of-its-kind recognition awards ceremony in December. “These are new awards, and they celebrate the contributions of people who are working hard to protect Washington’s rich natural heritage and ensure that non-native […]

December 9, 2024Read More
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Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! This one is especially for all the plant moms—we see you working hard to care for your gardens just like Mother Nature.You water, you prune, and keep things thriving. But invasive species? They’re the uninvited guests that undo all your hard work. From root-destroying grubs to leaf-skeletonizing beetles, these pests can take down even the most well-loved garden.Here are some tips to protect mom’s plants:• Inspect new plants for signs of pests before bringing them home• Following local quarantine guidelines (check state and county noxious weed boards for details)• Report anything unusual with the WA Invasives app or online form: https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/report-a-sighting/The best Mother’s Day gift is one where mom’s hard work is left alone . . . of course, mom might like to be left alone too. Or with a book. And maybe some dessert. ... See MoreSee Less
It might look like a backyard plant, but Japanese knotweed is more horror movie than cottage garden charm. Japanese knotweed is found across Washington and is tough to eliminate once established. This aggressive noxious weed can completely take over landscapes, alter habitats, and is notoriously difficult to remove. What starts as a single plant can quickly turn into a full-blown takeover. What you can do:• Don’t plant or transport it (it’s illegal in Washington) • Remove carefully—all plant material must be disposed of properly (burned or fully dried) • Stay persistent—small infestations are much easier to control with repeated cutting• Don’t feed it after midnight. . . . Wait! That’s a different movie. Either way, this is one plant you don’t want asking for seconds.Spot it early to stop it early. Learn more: https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/priorityspecies/japanese-knotweed/ ... See MoreSee Less
Trying to keep your ducks in a row? Same. Managing multiple priorities is a real challenge.Prioritizing invasive species can feel like herding rubber ducks in a kiddie pool. There are a lot of species, a lot of pathways and impacts, and we’d love to get our ducks in nice, neat rows. That’s where you come in.Every report you submit helps us manage our ducks: what’s urgent, what’s spreading, and what needs a rapid response. It turns a pool full of floating chaos into a clear plan of action.See something suspicious? Snap a photo, note your location, and report it using the WA Invasives app or online form: https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/report-a-sighting/ Our team of experts reviews every submission and coordinates the next steps. Together, we can keep Washington’s ecosystems a little less prone to “otter” chaos. ... See MoreSee Less
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