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Oneida, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence Counties: The St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario and Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMs) invites community members to join an engaging, hands-on workshop focused on identifying, reporting, and helping prevent the spread of the spotted lanternfly (SLF)—one of New York State’s most concerning invasive insects.
Although SLF has not been detected in Oneida, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties, it has been confirmed in Onondaga County in Syracuse, which borders the region. This proximity makes early detection and community awareness essential. A distribution map of spotted lanternfly can be viewed on the Cornell NYS Integrated Pest Management website.
About the Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive planthopper that feeds on over 70 plant species. In New York State, SLF is currently established in several downstate and central regions, with ongoing statewide monitoring and containment efforts. Its preferred host is the tree of heaven (TOH)—itself an invasive species. SLF threatens:
- Ecological health — weakening native trees and forest systems.
- Agriculture & economy — damaging vineyards, orchards, hops, and hardwoods.
- Quality of life & plant health— SLF feeds in large swarms and excretes a sticky honeydew that attracts stinging insects and causes buildup of a sooty mold that hinders the ability of plants to photosynthesize.
Why This Workshop Matters
The Finger Lakes and SLELO PRISMs are mobilizing community members to help protect local forests, farms, and natural areas. By learning to identify SLF and TOH, residents can play a vital role in early detection, rapid reporting, and community science monitoring using tools like iMapInvasives Survey123. Participants will also have the opportunity to adopt a public area to monitor for SLF and TOH, an impactful way to support regional conservation.
Event Details
- What: Spotted Lanternfly & Tree of Heaven Identification & Reporting Workshop
- When: August 21, 2026, 5:30–7:30 PM
- Where: Green Lakes State Park
- Address: 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, NY 13066
- Hosted by: Finger Lakes PRISM & St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario (SLELO) PRISM
Community members should register for the workshop to receive meeting details and instructions for setting up the community science tools. Visit sleloinvasives.org/event/slfworkshop to register or contact SLELO PRISM's Education Outreach Coordinator at 315-522-1258.
