UPDATE (8:53 am): The caption for the lead photo on this story has been updated to correctly reflect what readers are looking at.

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In recognition of National Invasive Species Awareness Week, being observed February 23-27, Newtown Knotweed Initiative (NKI), in cooperation with Newtown Conservation Commission, is providing educational displays at Newtown Community Center and Newtown Municipal Center. The special presentations opened February 15 and are on display at both locations through March 8.

The displays feature collected invasive plant specimens of Japanese barberry, multiflora rose, and Oriental bittersweet. Fliers identifying six common invasives on the local scene — burning bush (Euonymus alatus), Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), and Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) — are also part of the display. Each flier tells visitors how to identify each plant, its flowering and/or fruit season, mechanical controls, and chemical controls.

Each flier also suggests native alternatives.

Another pair of fliers also lists and illustrates invasive plants legislation passed in October 2024 and October 2025. This section of the display covers the plants on those lists, including those already prohibited and at least one that has been added to the list with a three-year phase out period.

The Initiative is also providing free plant identification booklets offering instruction on best management strategies for Connecticut residents, as well as the opportunity for residents to request a site visit by an NKI board member to positively identify Japanese knotweed.

Founded in 2024, Newtown Knotweed Initiative (NKI) is a small community coalition whose mission is to fight the spread of Japanese knotweed and other invasive species. To learn more, visit newtownknotweed.org.

The display at Newtown Municipal Center, located at 3 Primrose Street, is in the southern section of the building’s main corridor. The building is generally open weekdays between 8 am and 4:30 pm. It is also accessible evenings when Town boards and commissions meet at the municipal center.

The display at Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street, is in the building’s lobby. It can be viewed during regular NCC hours: Monday through Thursday, 6 am-9 pm; Friday, 6 am-8 pm; and Saturday and Sunday, 7 am-5 pm.

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Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.