New Exhibits On Invasive Species Unveiled

The Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (ECISMA) in Florida has installed new exhibits at Big Cypress, Everglades and two other non-NPS sites that encourage viewers to quickly report observations of nonnative plants and animals.
Introduced species can sometimes threaten the health and function of South Florida’s diverse landscapes, requiring decades of expensive management. Early detection, followed by a rapid response, can help avert these costs and provide a greater chance for control. The “Florida Invaders” exhibit – now permanently installed at four venues around South Florida – showcases recent, unwanted arrivals to south Florida and encourages viewers to be on the lookout and report all observations by phone to 888-Ive-Got1 or online.
The Florida Invaders exhibit is currently on display at visitor centers at the Deering Estate at Cutler, Crandon Park, Everglades National Park, and Big Cypress National Preserve. The exhibits were fabricated and installed with funding from the National Park Service, and hosted in partnership with Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation.
The exhibits are just one of a variety of communications tools developed by the ECISMA to foster greater understanding of invasive species issues and empower the south Florida community to take action. Online training, identification cards, iPhone apps and more are all available from the partnership website.
The Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area is a formal partnership among federal, state, and local government agencies, tribes, individuals, and various interested groups that manage invasive species and is defined by a geographic boundary.