The 11th annual Invasive Species Awareness Week begins this Monday across New York, the state's Department of Environmental Conservation and Agriculture and Markets announced Sunday.

The effort aims to educate New Yorkers about invasive species and how residents can fight against their spread.

Free public events and invasive species challenges will be held until next Sunday across the state and online, including daily webinars at 1 p.m. each weekday.  

“Each year, Invasive Species Awareness Week educates New Yorkers about how to do their part to safeguard our lands and waters against invasive species,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said in a statement. “By building awareness and helping inspire people to take action, we can all make a difference in protecting native ecosystems and our shared environment.”

State officials define an invasive species as "plants, animals, insects, and pathogens that are not native to an area and cause harm to the environment, agriculture, economy, or public health."

Species can become invasive when introduced to a new area with few or no population controls, which allows them to grow unchecked and out-compete native species for resources. Officials say New York is suspectible to invasive pests due to the state's role as a trade and travel hub.

To learn more about invasive species impacting agriculture in New York, click here.