Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

September 2, 2025

September Weed of the Month: Invasive Species Art as a Voice for Science

Art can connect with others in a way that numbers don’t

By Maya Sarkar, Minnesota Department of Agriculture - As we enter late summer, we may notice art in nature around us – from the subtle hues of big bluestem to the bright yellows of goldenrod in full bloom. Nature can inspire art, and we can use art as a voice for nature, including conversations around invasive species.

In communicating about invasive species, many of us use art as a voice. Art helps us communicate ideas to a broader audience, raise awareness, share our work, connect with each other, and more. Art can connect with others in a way that numbers don’t. For example, art in a graphic can convey knowledge and data in a more accessible way, while a local art installation can help audiences emotionally connect with the issues at hand. Art is a powerful voice for science.

Let’s look at a few examples of invasive species art! 

Invasive Jumping Worm by Sascha Lodge (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)

Medium: Fiber

This is a larger-than-life invasive jumping worm! Sascha crocheted this piece, showing one of the more unique mediums for visual art. This is on display at the Minnesota State Fair and is a great conversation starter. Abstract models can connect with people differently than anatomical models or cadaver examples. This crocheted jumping worm is larger and easier to see, the woven fiber may be more approachable to viewers, and it’s a fun way to grab people’s attention and teach them about invasive species. Download photo

“Look and Find” invasive species reading rail by Kabao Her (Minnesota Department of Agriculture)

Medium: Digital

Download file

This image is a landscape-level outreach graphic. It asks the audience to try their hand at surveying and identifying some invasive species in Minnesota from a landscape approach. Through this piece, folks can identify some invasive species in Minnesota while playing a game of “I Spy”!

Emerald Ash Borer by Maya Sarkar (Minnesota Department of Agriculture)

Medium: Polymer Clay

This sculpture is a cartoonish approach to portraying emerald ash borer, featuring some mini-cutlery in the hands of an adult insect. Emerald ash borer has been “carving” up ash trees across Minnesota and this piece gives the borer a villainous persona. Download photo

Want to make art of invasive species? REMEMBER

• Don’t spread invasive species through your art. If you are crafting with invasive species, remember not to use propagating parts. Don’t unintentionally create art that could become a pathway for invasive species to spread.
• If you are using invasive species in your art, make sure to get any required permits and properly dispose of any propagating parts.

Enjoy art. Share art. And keep the invasive species conversations going.

For more information on noxious weeds and invasive insects, listen and subscribe to Smarty Plants, a Minnesota Department of Agriculture podcast. 

MEDIA: Contact Brittany Raveill, MDA Communications, at [email protected] or 651-201-6131 for more information on Weed of the Month