New York Invasive Species Awareness Week! (June 6th-June12th)

Invasive species are our specialty, so we have a few events going on to help you celebrate this year’s NY Invasive Species Awareness Week! Taking place from Monday, June 6th to Saturday, June 12th, this is the perfect opportunity to get outside and take a look at invasive species threatening ecosystems in the Finger Lakes region.  Whether you want to be on the trail or on the water, we’ve got something for you. Check out what we’ve got going on near you, and register now!

Monday, June 6

1. “Meet the Field Crew” Ever wonder how invasive species are found? Come meet our Hydrilla field crew at the Cayuga Lake State Park boat launch to learn how they do it! The crew will be on site with aquatic plant samples to answer any and all questions about aquatic invasive species. Time: 9am – 12pm Address: Boat Launch @ Cayuga Lake State Park Registration: None
2. “Aquatic Invasive Species Boat Tour on the Famous Sam Patch!” Learn about invasive species on the Erie Canal! The famous Sam Patch Tour Boat will be cruising down the Erie Canal and you will be able to learn about the aquatic invasive species within the canal from an expert at the Finger Lakes PRISM. Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm Address: 12 Schoen Place, Pittsford, NY 14534 Registration: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/sampatch/items/157744/calendar/2022/06/?full-items=yes&flow=63514

3. “Invasive Species Documentary Screening and Q&A” Kick off NYISAW with a screening of “Uninvited” the newest invasive species documentary! Staff of the Finger Lakes PRISM will be available for a Q&A afterwards of all things invasive species. Time: 7:00 pm Address: Albright Auditorium, Hobart and William Smith College Campus Registration: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=6tkitjfab&oeidk=a07ej7m3suu22c9466c

Tuesday, June 7

4. “Invasive Species Identification with Cayuga County” An identification class on some of the more common invasive species, concentrating on aquatics and those that affect water quality. Time: 10 am Address: Webinar Registration: Click this link to join the webinar.
5. “Mystery Snail Removal on Melody Lake”. On Tuesday, June 7^th, at 1 PM, join the Melody Lake Association, the NYSDEC Region 7 Sustainability Committee, Cortland County Soil and Water and several of our association members to attempt to manually remove as many of these snails as possible! 1:00pm Registration: Email rcrosati@frontiernet.net to register.
6. “Education in the park: Invasive Species @ Watkins Glen” “FORCES (Friends of Recreation, Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship) is hosting a tabling and informational event on Tuesday, June 7th at Watkins Glen State Park to spread awareness about the invasive species in Watkins Glen and what you can do to help prevent the spread. Stop by our booth near the entrance of the Gorge Trail near the main entrance on N. Franklin Street from 10am-3pm. Address: 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891. Event contact and email address– Carlin Wakefield, carlin.wakefield@parks.ny.gov

Wednesday, June 8

6. “Invasive Species Mapping” at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, TIME: 9am-1pm. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot at 3395 U.S. Route 20 Seneca Falls, NY 13148. Contact Nicholas_Vermeulen@fws.gov or call 315-568-5987 to register.
7. “Invasive Species Walk ‘N’ Talk” The introduction, spread, and management of invasive species is heavily influenced by the actions of citizens who live, work, and recreate on public and private lands and waterways of New York. Education and outreach about invasive species increases awareness and knowledge, to encourage behavior changes that could reduce risks throughout the State. Learn to identify several invasives that are being managed at the Preserve, control methods, and how to protect and increase native species in your community. Time: 6:30pm Address: Indian Fort Nature Preserve, 3432 Jones Bridge Road, Geneseo Registration: None
8. “Squishing Spotted Lanternfly” Come for a talk on one of the most destructive invasive species seen in generations – the Spotted Lanternfly. Learn what makes this insect such a threat, why it’s important, and what you can do to stop it. Email: gallo@hws.edu to register

Thursday, June 9

9. “Be Aware of Ithaca’s Invasives” The Town of Ithaca’s Conservation Board invites you to another annual New York’s Invasive Species Awareness Week event at East Shore Park. With the Community Science Institute, and the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network, we’ll explain the difference between weeds and invasives, and why it’s important for everyone to help stop the spread of invasive species in our environment. Event time: June 9, 2022 5:00–7:00 pm. Event location: East Shore Park, 1000 East Shore Drive (NYS Route 34), Ithaca, NY 14850. Event contact and email address: Michael Smith, Senior Planner, Town of Ithaca, 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850-4357 msmith@town.ithaca.ny.us
10. “Backyard Invasive Species” Did you know that many of our most ferocious invaders are hiding in plain sight? Come learn from Matt Gallo with the Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) about backyard invasive species! Many of our most common invasive species start out as yard plants. See if there are any growing near you, and what you can do to stop them. Space is limited, please register for a seat. Time: 7:00pm Address: Rush Library Meeting Room, 5977 E. Henrietta Road, Rush NY Registration: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/9232350

Saturday, June 11

11. ”Guided Hike to Learn How to Identify Invasives” Come join the Finger Lakes PRISM and learn how to identify common invasive species along trails. Time: Hike @ 1, event all day from 9:30-3:30   Address: Mendon Ponds Park Registration: None
12. “Bioblitz at Cumming Nature Center” During this family-friendly community science event, you will work with scientists, educators, and naturalists to document the biodiversity at Cumming Nature Center. Spend the day identifying, collecting, and recording as many species of plants and animals as possible throughout our 900-acre preserve. Along the way, you will learn fascinating facts, develop your naturalist skills, and grow in appreciation for the diverse species that create the unique and vibrant ecosystem that we call home! Time: Begins @ 8:00 am Address: Cumming Nature Center Registration: https://es.sonicurlprotection-mia.com/click?PV=2&MSGID=202205191441480117912&URLID=2&ESV=10.0.17.7319&IV=C5774CCFE6524A10B1990F8FC4ED86BA&TT=1652971309253&ESN=XR3Lec7hV4D2Dr8AQDf%2F1oU3M3vMwkVdJqkRGBaz%2BFs%3D&KV=1536961729280&B64_ENCODED_URL=aHR0cHM6Ly9ybXNjLm9yZy9jdW1taW5nLW5hdHVyZS1jZW50ZXIvbmF0dXJlLWNlbnRlci1wcm9ncmFtcy1hbmQtZXZlbnRzL2l0ZW0vNDMyLWJpb2JsaXR6&HK=C04E80D36FA718B1411EC63D9C5CB71237038F6AB2F34562C7972EA1B6365B18