Invasive Species Awareness Week is a collaborative campaign focused on raising awareness about invasive species and how to protect Canada’s natural spaces. The Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association, Forests Ontario, Invasive Species Centre, Ontario Invasive Plant Council, and Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program have partnered to develop campaign resource materials for people and organizations across Canada to get involved.
An invasive species is an organism that causes, or is likely to cause, ecological, economic, or social harm in a new environment where it is not local. Invasive species reduce the diversity of plant and animal species in an environment and can put native species at risk. They do this by crowding-out or competing for resources like light, water, and nutrients, preying on native species, or acting as carriers for diseases or parasites that could spread to native species.
“The goal of Invasive Species Awareness Week is to kickstart conversations about invasive species and reinforce the importance of preventing their spread. There is something new to learn all week as each day focuses on a different aspect of invasive species. We encourage everyone to take part and help contribute to protecting lands and waters in Canada,” says Sarah Rang, Executive Director at the Invasive Species Centre.
Whether you’re an environmentalist, an educator, or just want to learn more, you can get involved by liking and sharing or retweeting posts created by participating organizations, or creating your own posts, using the hashtag #InvSpWk. The 2023 campaign themes include Pathways of Spread, On the Horizon, Becoming a Community Champion, Prevention and Reporting, Invasive Species and Biodiversity, and Learning about Invasive Species.
Invasive Species Awareness Week takes place February 20 – 26, 2023, using the hashtag #InvSpWk.
High-resolution campaign images along with example text for social media posts can be downloaded at bit.ly/3ImAaTa; you can add your organization’s logo or additional text specific to your organization or area. There is also a list of resources with links to learn more about invasive species.
Image 1 – 2023 Invasive Species Awareness Week Pathways of Spread
Image 2 – 2023 Invasive Species Awareness Week
