Mission Statement
Reducing the impact of invasive species in Eastern Iowa through cooperative education, demonstration and restoration.
Vision Statement
Guiding Eastern Iowan’s to manage invasive species.
Why You Should Worry About Weeds?
According to Iowa rules and statutes, noxious weeds are plants that are injurious to public health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock, and other property. These noxious and invasive plants cause annual economic losses in the billions of dollars for agriculture, natural resources management agencies, and road departments.
Besides the damage to crops, livestock, and range and pasture land, invasive plants are considered to be one of the main causes of native plant and animal extinction. They reduce diversity of native species, degrade habitat and food for wildlife, change plant communities, and alter natural fire regimes. They are also known to prevent establishment of native seedlings, including trees and shrubs, shade out understory plants, out-compete desirable plants for nutrients, moisture, space, and sunlight, and change soil structure and chemistry. Some can be deadly to pets and humans.
By controlling noxious weeds, especially when infestations are small, economic losses can be mitigated, property values and wildlife habitat increased, and the likelihood of illness or injury to humans or livestock reduced.
How You Can Help...