NJ Invasives

The NJ Invasives Strike Team works to prevent the spread of emerging invasive species across New Jersey.

We do this by harnessing the stewardship potential of public and private land stewards to search for emerging invasive species, map locations where populations are detected and eradicate the invasive species that we find. We administer a data clearinghouse, prepare an annual catalog of invasive species present in and around our state, prioritize problem species, provide training for land stewards and property owners, coordinate detection and eradication programs and share our experience with the public.

We have a small window of opportunity to stop the spread of an invasive species once it arrives in the Garden State. We utilize a methodology known as Early Detection and Rapid Response (ED/RR). ED/RR, which is recognized worldwide, requires a centralized organizing entity to coordinate the activities of public and private environmental stewards and other stakeholders. Our Strike Team, which was created in 2011 and is recognized as a non‐profit charitable organization by the IRS, provides this service and is the only entity specifically working to protect our state's natural heritage and economy from the threats posed by invasive species.