November 4th- 6th 1pm-2pm 

State of the Science:  Jumping Worm Research & the JWORM Working Group 

Session Time: Session 4 – Nov 4 – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Description: Jumping worms are increasingly found in urban, managed, and natural landscapes and consequently have reached the notice of many gardeners, farmers, and natural resource professionals.  In response to the many questions around the biology, impacts, and management of jumping worms, the NY Invasive Species Research Institute has been coordinating with researchers in the Northeast and Midwest to form the Jumping Worm Outreach Research and Management (JWORM) Working Group.

In this session, the JWORM Working Group will give an overview of jumping worm biology & impacts, provide an update on the most recent research findings, and articulate the research needs that the group has identified.  The presenters will then engage in an interactive discussion with participants on research needs as well as answer questions via a facilitated Q&A session.

Presenters:  Dr. Annise Dobson, Postdoctoral Researcher, Yale University,  Dr. Andrea Davalos, Assistant Professor, SUNY Cortland,  Dr. Brad Herrick, Ecologist & Research Program ,  Zanager, UW Madison Arboretum,  Dr. Timothy McCay, Professor, Colgate University,   Dr. Kyle Wickings, Associate Professor, Cornell University

Track: Invasive Species

Researching the Research Needs: Identifying invasive species research priorities in New York State 

Session Time: Session 10 – Nov 5 – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Description:  Understanding the needs of invasive species managers is a critical requirement for establishing programs that meet these needs. An important and unique role that the New York Invasive Species Research Institute plays is that of collecting research needs from state partners.  In 2019, we employed a new approach known as Group Concept Mapping (GCM) with the hope of 1) engaging a broader and more diverse audience in our call for research needs, 2) increasing transparency and standardization of the research needs solicitation process, and 3) introducing the opportunity for individuals to not only suggest ideas but also give feedback as far as the importance and feasibility of these ideas.  In this session, we present the results of this process, including priorities according to importance and feasibility, emergent topics, and overarching themes, as well as recommendations moving forward.

Presenters:  Carrie Brown-Lima, Director, New York Invasive Species Research Institute,  Bryan Dailey, Technical Advisor, New York Invasive Species Research Institute,  Audrey Bowe, Project Coordinator, New York Invasive Species Research Institute

Track: Invasive Species

Tools, Tips & Tricks to Enhance Invasive Species Education & Outreach During a Time of Social Distancing

Session Time: Session 16 – Nov 6 – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Description: Raising awareness of invasive species often involves hands-on experiences and in-person events. Success of these engagements are often measured by the number of events held, and number of attendees. The COVID 19 pandemic has changed the way we engage with the public and virtual experiences are becoming the new normal.  This session will showcase tools, tips and tricks that enhance invasive species education/outreach efforts and strategies in a virtual world.

Presenters: Megan Pistolese, Education and Outreach Coordinator, SLELO PRISM, The Nature Conservancy,  Emily Thiel, Education and Outreach Program Manager, WNY PRISM, Buffalo State University, Kim Kelly, CAE Membership Manager, North American Invasive Species Management Association, Owner, Kim Kelly Consulting and Kara Brockman, CAE, DES, Director, Education, and Content, Association Forum

Track: Invasive Species

Cross listed Workshops:

• COVID-19: Pesticide Issues in the Home and on the Farm:  Session 5 – Nov 4 – 2:10 pm – 3:10 pm  Click here for more information
• Emerging Pesticide Issues:  Session 11 – Nov 5 – 2:10 pm – 3:10 pm  Click here for more information