The Central California Invasive Weed Symposium (CCIWS) is an annual workshop designed to encourage active engagement in the conservation of California wildlands. First held at California State University, Monterey Bay in 1999, this symposium provides a venue to share information about invasive weed control, native plant restoration, and stewardship for Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

It provides an opportunity to meet and network with other like-minded people working (both paid and unpaid) to stop the spread of non-native invasive plants, visit project sites where weed control efforts are in full swing, hear success stories, and earn continuing education units.

CCIWS is a joint effort of the Monterey and Santa Cruz County Weed Management Areas.