Knoxville Zoo and Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge are partnering to host an invasive weed pull at the refuge as part of Invasive Weed Awareness Week. This event is part of the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council's public education campaign to promote awareness of the harmful impacts of non-native, invasive plant species throughout the state. Governor Phil Bredesen has issued a state proclamation declaring Feb. 22-28, 2009, as Invasive Weed Awareness Week in Tennessee.

Invasive plant species displace native plant populations, depriving wildlife of needed food sources and significantly reducing plant and wildlife diversity. Non-native plants also threaten rare and endangered plants and animals, and can be especially damaging to public lands such as parks and state natural areas.

Citizens are invited to participate in the invasive weed pull on Saturday, February 28 at Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Volunteers will break for a picnic lunch at noon and resume work in the afternoon. Volunteers are asked to bring their own lunch as well as tools and gloves.

For more information or directions to Seven Islands Refuge, please contact Steve McGaffin, outreach and field program coordinator for Knoxville Zoo at 865-637-5331 ext. 371, email [email protected].