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SLELO PRISM Urges New Yorkers to Safeguard Maple Syrup by Spotting Invasive Species.
Few things capture the spirit of a New York spring like the aroma of warm maple syrup drizzled over a fresh stack of pancakes. This cherished tradition depends on one iconic tree—the sugar maple. However, invasive species can put this seasonal sweetness at risk, and the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM) is calling on community members to help protect it.
As highlighted in their latest Pledge to Protect blog, invasive insects such as the spotted lanternfly, spongy moth, and longhorned beetle can threaten the health of sugar maples across the region. These pests weaken trees, disrupt ecosystems, and jeopardize the future of maple syrup production.
SLELO PRISM is encouraging residents, visitors, and maple enthusiasts to take simple but powerful steps: learn to recognize these invasive species, watch for signs of infestation, and report observations through NYiMapInvasives.org. By doing so, every New Yorker can play a role in preserving this sweet tradition for generations.
March Is Maple Month—Celebrate and Protect What You Love
Maple Month is the perfect time to appreciate the craft, culture, and flavor of New York’s maple syrup. During Maple Weekend, held March 21–22 and March 28–29, sugarhouses across the SLELO region will open their doors for behind‑the‑scenes tours, live syrup‑making demonstrations, tastings, pancake breakfasts, hayrides, and hands‑on activities for all ages. Learn more: https://www.mapleweekend.com.
[RELATED: iHeart Oswego Visits Yardley Maple]
While enjoying these events, SLELO PRISM encourages visitors to stay alert for invasive insects and signs of tree stress. A few minutes of awareness can make a meaningful difference.
How You Can Help Protect Sugar Maples
- Learn to identify the spotted lanternfly, spongy moth, and longhorned beetle.
- Watch for signs of infestation when visiting sugarbushes, farms, and forests.
- Report sightings at NYiMapInvasives.org
Read the Pledge to Protect Blog. The newest blog post dives deeper into the threats facing sugar maples and how you can be part of the solution. SLELO PRISM invites everyone to explore the blog, learn something new, and take the Pledge to Protect the forests that make New York’s maple syrup possible.
Additional Opportunities to Get Involved:
Tug Hill Bird Quest: Hosted by the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust, this fun, region‑wide bird observation event is held each May. Great for families, classrooms, and nature lovers. Sign Up by March 31.
Learn more: https://tughilltomorrowlandtrust.org/bird-quest
Join a Statewide Early Detection Effort: Help monitor for spotted lanternfly and tree‑of‑heaven by adopting a grid square to survey through iMapInvasives.
Learn more: https://www.nyimapinvasives.org/slf
Want to stay involved year-round? Join SLELO PRISM’s Pledge to Protect initiative at iPledgeToProtect.org and become part of a growing community committed to keeping our natural spaces thriving.
