By focusing invasive species suppression and habitat rehabilitation on connected areas, both terrestrial and aquatic areas, we can defragment our recovery efforts, preserve the resilience of these systems and augment their natural character to achieve a greater conservation impact.

Is the health of our Priority Conservation Areas (PCAs) improving, maintaining, or worsening as a result of our invasive species management strategies and restoration activities? Answering this important question first requires a benchmark. To achieve this, the SLELO PRISM continues to develop scorecards for each PCA, and to date, approximately half of our PCAs have been benchmarked.

The Monitoring and Managing Ash (MaMA) program of the Ecological Research Institute (ERI) has made considerable progress in its efforts to detect “lingering ash”, trees that likely have some resistance to emerald ash borer (EAB) and from which material can be used to breed highly EAB-resistant trees. As EAB’s invasion expands in the SLELO region, participation in MaMA needs to expand as well, so locally adapted lingering ash can be found.

Volunteers have helped to remove over 1,200 target invasive species this summer!

Our work is more than restoration – it’s about sustaining biodiversity, improving carbon sequestration and wildlife habitat by reducing invasive plant monocultures and increasing native plant establishment. Often, invasive plants create monocultures on the landscape thereby reducing native plant diversity. These same ‘disturbed’ areas can often reduce the healthy sequestration of carbon – as is the case with forest pests. By suppressing invasive plants and promoting native plant recovery, we can increase biodiversity on these sites. As a result, we can improve carbon uptakes and wildlife habitat making these areas more resilient to external stressors such as a changing climate.

While you’re enjoying the outdoors in your own backyard or on your favorite trail, keep an eye out for noxious invasive plants that could really hinder your outdoor experience!

On June 22nd, you are invited to join us at the Tailwater Lodge in Altmar, NY for this free in-person event.

Hear from our regional and state-wide partners and learn of invasive species management projects that align with our theme of, Enhancing Biodiversity and Resilience Through Invasive Species Management, Restoration, and Innovation.

The Eastern Lake Ontario Invasive Species Symposium is hosted by the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management, SLELO PRISM.

Did you know that you can spread invasive species by boating, taking a hike, gardening, moving firewood, and many other activities you may enjoy? Learn about invasive species introduction pathways and actions you can take to prevent their spread.

Join guided hikes, paddles, webinars and other events happening across the state for New York’s Invasive Species Awareness Week from June 5th-11th!

Help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species by visiting a watercraft inspection steward this summer!