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Invasive Species Week graphic 2026

Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW) takes place from Monday, February 23 to Sunday, March 1, 2026. Together with the support of various organizations, ISAW  has operated successfully since 2016, to share the threat invasive species pose to Canada’s natural heritage.  

What Are Invasive Species? 

Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, insects, and pathogens that cause harm and are considered one of Canada’s greatest threats to the survival of our wild animal and plant life.  Many invasive species are introduced unintentionally and can establish and spread rapidly because there are no natural predators to keep their populations under control. As a result, invasive species kill, crowd out, and devastate native species and their ecosystems.  

Why Are Invasive Species an Important Issue? 

Invasive species introductions are commonly regarded by conservation organizations and scientists as the second greatest threat to global biodiversity, next to habitat loss. Invasive plants and animals not only threaten wildlife, woodlands, and waterways, they also cost Canada billions of dollars in losses to forestry, agriculture, fisheries, and other industries affected by their impact. If an invasive species is undetected and unregulated, it can become established in the environment and spread causing immeasurable impacts on our economy, ecology, and social values.  

How are invasive species managed? 

  • Prevention: The most cost-effective solution for managing invasive species. Public awareness and education are essential for this stage. 

  • Eradication: Removing a species population in its entirety. If populations are localized, eradication is possible. 

  • Containment: Reducing further spread of an introduced species. As populations increase, eradication becomes increasingly unlikely and priorities shift to preventing further spread. 

  • Long-term control: This is the costliest stage of invasive species management. Eradication is unlikely to impossible and we instead focus on limiting populations and protecting remaining resources. 

Visit the Invasive Species Centre’s website for details on how you can take action in your community.