Invasive species can be found across Hamilton County in our parks, roadsides, woods, trails and yards and their presence negatively affects our ecosystems. Invasive species are non-native plants that cause harm to the environment, human health and the economy. This spring, the Hamilton County Invasives Partnership (HIP) is working with local partners to encourage citizens to “fill up to fight invasives” with an invasives bucket challenge.

Individuals are encouraged to engage in invasive species management and fill a bucket or bag with removed invasives. Not sure how to dispose of your invasives? Find some great info here.

Participants are encouraged to post a photo of their invasives filled bucket on their social media using the hashtag #invasivesbucketchallenge for a chance to win prizes. Participants can tag friends or family members to challenge them to fill a bucket with invasives as well. Special HIP buckets with invasive garlic mustard information are available for free from the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District in Noblesville and other participating partners while supplies last. 

The invasives bucket challenge is a new program launched as part of Hamilton County Invasive Species Awareness Week which runs April 16-23. Volunteer opportunities to take part in an invasive species workday Weed Wrangles on public property can be found on the HIP website, www.hcinvasives.org.

The Hamilton County Invasives Partnership (HIP) is a coalition of landowners and managers, concerned citizens, and local agencies working to educate and mobilize land stewards to manage and eliminate invasive species in Hamilton County. Learn more at www.hcinvasives.org.