This New Year make a resolution that not only makes you feel good but helps to protect vital ecosystems! Join our volunteer network today and help reduce the impacts of invasive species now and for generations to come. Below are some volunteer opportunities you can get involved in throughout the year. 

Sign up to receive a virtual training. Learn how to recognize invasive species in your region, and how to report observations to NYiMapInvasives. 

Join the VSN
Learn More

Aid Early Detection Efforts

The Issue: Invasive species populations become more costly and harder to manage the longer their populations have to become established in an area. Finding populations early on, before they become too widespread enhances the success of controlling or possibly eradicating invasive species populations. 

How You Can Help: 

Nearly 40% of new invasive species infestations are found by volunteers. These findings enhance management efforts.  You can help by joining the SLELO PRISM Volunteer Surveillance Network (VSN).

Join Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

There are many volunteer opportunities available for you to get involved in. Join guided hikes and paddles, aid restoration plantings and removal efforts, and much more! 

Become a Volunteer

Participate to Earn Prizes!

Earn prizes and bragging-right-status by participating in volunteer opportunities and events hosted by SLLEO PRISM and our partners! 

Take the Challenge!
February 1-March 15th, join the third annual HWA Winter Mapping Challenge! 

Help protect hemlock trees by joining this state-wide effort to survey for an invasive tree pest called Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA).

How to Participate: 

  • Find some hemlock trees in your area (check local state parks & public trails)
  • Check for HWA egg masses (look for white fuzz balls on the undersides of twigs)
  • Report your findings to NY iMapInvasives.
  • The iMap users who survey the most sites for HWA will win the challenge and receive a PRIZE!

The HWA Mapping Challenge is hosted by the NY Natural Heritage Program in partnership with the NYS Hemlock Initiative. 

Take the Challenge!
Get Details

Virtual Toolboxes

Visit the Protector’s Virtual Toolboxes below to access resources themed for each category, and to learn more about how to protect your favorite outdoor spaces from invasive species. 

Lands & Trails

Lands & Trails

Protect your private or publicly accessible lands and favorite hiking trails
Open Toolbox

Forests

Forests

Protect your private or publicly accessible forested areas
Open Toolbox

Waters

Waters

Protect your favorite paddle-ways, boating and fishing destinations
Open Toolbox

Gardens

Gardens

Protect your backyard or community gardens
Open Toolbox

Communities

Communities

Protect your favorite parks or urban green spaces, and street trees
Open Toolbox

Did you enjoy this blog post? Take our Pledge to Protect and get monthly emails showcasing actions you can take to protect your favorite hiking trails, paddleways, forests, garden, and community from the impacts of invasive species!

Take the Pledge to Protect

The Pledge-to-Protect is a fun, positive, inviting, engaging and rewarding way to participate in invasive species prevention and management.

 

Here’s How It Works:
 
  1. Fill out the pledge form below and select the outdoor areas you spend the most time in.
  2. Check your inbox for your confirmation email.
  3. Explore the resources in the virtual toolkits or download the PDFs.
  4. Earn a virtual badge for each pledge you take.
  5. Every month, you’ll receive a special Pledge-to-Protect email about a prevention/management activity to help you fulfill your pledge OR a highlight of an invasive species to keep an eye out for.
First and Last Name(Required)
What will you protect?(Required)
Chose the pledge category that you spend the most time in or that you're the most interested in learning of applicable prevention and management actions you can take while enjoying these environments.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.