SLELO PRISM is seeking volunteers to assist with an emerald ash borer biocontrol monitoring program that will occur in 2025 once a week from June to September, at the SUNY Oswego University Rice Creek Field Station. A virtual training will be provided in May and guidance will be given during each monitoring survey.
The purpose of this project is to determine if three parasitoid wasps (Oobius agrili, Spathius galinae, and Tetrastichus planipennisi) have become established at the site. These wasps have been deployed as part of an effort to naturally suppress populations of the invasive emerald ash borer.
Surveys in 2024 resulted in presence confirmations for all three parasitoid wasps. Positive presence of the parasitoid wasps must occur for two consecutive years for the site to be deemed a success.
Volunteers will assist with the deployment and weekly monitoring of yellow pan traps at the site. They will learn how to identify the target biocontrol agents and assist with collecting and examining the specimens found in the traps. Guidance will be given during each monitoring survey by the SLELO PRISM Terrestrial Restoration and Resilience Coordinator, Robert Smith. Specimens collected from the traps will be examined through microscopes at the Rice Creek Field Station and sent to a lab for confirmation.
Project Overview:
- What: Emerald Ash Borer Biocontrol Monitoring Program
- Location: SUNY Oswego Rice Creek Field Station grounds and indoor lab room.
- Training: Guidance will be given at each survey (view webinar training recording).
- Survey Frequency: Every Wednesday beginning on June 5th and ending on September 25th, 2024.
- Survey/ Duration: Plan for an estimated 3-4 hours depending on the number of volunteers and specimens collected.
- Correspondence: Volunteers will receive an email on Mondays to confirm their attendance for the weekly survey.
- Host: St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM)
Volunteer Duties:
- Assist pan trap surveys at 15 sites at the SUNY Oswego Rice Creek Field Station (to occur once a week).
- Collect and examine specimens retrieved from the traps (with guidance).
Volunteer Skill Requirements:
- 18 and over
- Willingness to conduct outdoor fieldwork, even in unpleasant environmental/weather conditions. Surveys will be held rain or shine!
- Able to provide yourself with ample field gear including, closed-toe hiking boots, long sleeves, and, pants, hat, sunglasses, etc.
- Ability to use or learn to use a microscope.
ALE annual sign up
Please fill out the form below to sign up for our Aquatic Invasive Species Learning Experience (ALE). Trainings are planned to occur annually in May and June. The training includes a virtual plant identification session, a hands-on workshop, and a guided paddle; training on how to use the following community science tools is also included, NYiMapInvasives, iNaturalist and Seek. The ALE is aimed to empower waterfront property owners and recreationists to protect waterbodies in the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Region. Participants of the ALE become Water Protectors by adopting a waterbody to monitor for signs of aquatic invasive species and report observations. Those interested can sign up to adopt a waterbody at https://www.sleloinvasives.org/water/. Commitment includes visiting the adopted waterbody at least once during the summer and reporting observations to NYiMapInvasives.org. You will receive an email notification to attend the ALE each year in late winter/early spring. Reach out to megan.pistolese@tnc.org with any questions regarding this program.
Please fill out this form to indicate your interest in volunteering to assist the above described biocontrol monitoring project. Preference will be given to students of Oswego University, especially those pursuing a career in entomology, field biology or a related field. You will receive a follow-up email regarding details for this opportunity so check your inbox frequently. Reach out to robert.l.smith@tnc.org with questions.
Contact megan.pistolese@tnc.org to list your events on our events page and on Facebook.
SLELO PRISM Partner Meeting Schedule: Our partners have decided to meet on a seasonal/quarterly basis. We will meet the third week of these months: January, April, July, and October alternating between Wednesdays and Thursdays, starting at 10 am.
If you want to receive partner meeting announcements please email rwilliams@tnc.org .
Save the Date for 2023 Partner Meetings:
Thursday, October 12th
Keewaydin State Park – Marina Pavilion, 10 am-12 pm 45165 State Route 12, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
The PRISM Network hosts a monthly Speaker Series on the last Wednesday of each month (except, July, August, and December).
View the Webinar Schedule & Access Recordings
iMapInvasives holds training webinars after the PRISM Speaker Series from 1 pm-2 pm. Visit the iMap website for details and to register.
View Events Pages of the PRISM Network