As partners in The River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA), an organization comprised of 12 federal , state, and local agencies, Shawnee RC&D helps to fund projects for addressing the threat of invasive plants in Southern Illinois.

Through the CWMA, we are able to promote Education & Public Awareness, Early Detection of invasion and Rapid Response, Prevention, Control & Management, and Ongoing Research.

Specific projects include  the Southern Illinois Invasive Species Strike Team, Stiltgrass Summit, the Southern Illinois Weed Watch, Aquatic Invasive Plant Boat Ramp Survey, and the Southern Illinois Database of Exotic Plant Occurrences.

Most of the information found and documented by the CWMA is made available online and in print, allowing local residents immediate access to the information and research being conducted by staff.  Additionally, several speaking engagements go on throughout the year to explain the threat of invasive species in the area, and to help individuals learn to identify invasive plants.