Write a commentThis April, the St. Lawrence-Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM) is calling on residents and visitors across the Eastern Lake Ontario region to take action for the environment through their Pledge to Protect initiative—an outreach campaign designed to inspire everyday environmental stewardship and combat the spread of invasive species.
With Earth Month in full swing, SLELO PRISM has announced a series of hands-on events, community science tools, and learning resources to help people of all ages take meaningful action.
Earth Month is a wonderful opportunity to embrace nature, take part in tree plantings, practice climate-smart gardening, and join community events. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in preserving New York’s cherished lands and waters for generations to come. Get involved and make a difference!
Highlighted Earth Month Events in the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Region:
- Friday, April 18 – Earth Day Celebration & Month of the Military Child, Fort Drum
- Saturday, April 19 – Zoo New York Earth Day Celebration, Watertown
- Tuesday, April 22 – Earth Day Cleanup, Cape Vincent, Fisher’s Landing, and Ogdensburg
- Friday, April 25 – Arbor Day Celebration with Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT), Cape Vincent
- Saturday, April 26 (9 a.m.) – Watertown Tree Planting at Thompson Park (meet at the Veterans Memorial statue)
- Saturday, May 3 – I Love My Parks Day, join events happening across the region and the state
“Whether you're planting native species in your backyard or volunteering at a community event, your efforts help keep our region’s ecosystems healthy and resilient,” says Megan Pistolese-Shaw, Education Outreach Coordinator with SLELO PRISM.
In addition to attending events, community members are encouraged to take the Pledge to Protect- an outreach initiative that encourages participants to commit to taking simple actions that prevent the spread of invasive species and support biodiversity. Through this initiative, SLELO PRISM offers a wealth of interactive tools to empower the public. Below are just a few of the tools found in their latest Protector's Blog at iPledgeToProtect.org.
- Use the NYiMapInvasives app to report invasive species sightings while hiking, paddling, or exploring the backyard.
- Learn about threats to local habitats through immersive story-maps from the NYSDEC and PRISM network.
- Explore climate-smart native plant guides from the Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Network to build pollinator-friendly gardens.
These Earth Month offerings are part of a broader effort by SLELO PRISM and the statewide PRISM network to engage the public in invasive species prevention and environmental education throughout the year.
