As part of Agriculture in the Classroom, the Montana Invasive Species Education (MISE) project is a K-8 educational curricula aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness about invasive species that are and can be detrimental to Montana’s agriculture, recreation/tourism industry, the economy and our environment. Target grades are 6-8 for the lesson plans but can be adapted for younger or older classes.

• The original packet included 27 species that various MT agencies felt were important for the youth of MT to know about.
• Updated in 2020, MISE was revised to include eight new species: white-nose syndrome (which affect bats), 3 species of invasive grasses (including Medusahead and ventenata (two species most recently added to the state noxious weed list), 3 species of invasive trees and feral swine, and new curriculum.
• Updated curricula now features 35 invasive species MT is concerned about.

To request a MISE packet or updated materials to augment an existing packet, contact Liz Lodman, Montana Invasive Species Council coordinator at liz.lodman@mt.gov or Shantell Frame-Martin, MT Noxious Weed Education Campaign at Shantell.frame@montana.edu.

By introducing young people to invasive species and their impacts, we have a better chance at preventing them and minimizing their spread in the future. Here you can find a variety of resources and curricula designed to make youth aware of invasive species and turn that awareness into take action. 

• Aquatic Invasive Species Education
• Other Resources