When asked about the issues that prevent adequate control of invasive species, researchers and managers of invasive species rank public awareness first among all the issues. Green Pioneers is a citizen science project that aims to raise the general public's awareness of the potential risks of introducing alien species into the wild. The project organizes a range of activities to reach a broad demographic. With Green Pioneers, we want to encourage recording of alien species by amateur botanists and create a generation of responsible gardeners who understand the consequences of releasing problem plants into the wild.