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As visitors gather at sugarhouses across New York for Maple Weekend March 22-23 and 29-30, they may not realize that the trees responsible for this beloved tradition face a growing threat
. Invasive species like the spotted lanternfly, spongy moth, and longhorned beetle reduce the health of forest ecosystems, which can weaken maple trees and jeopardize maple syrup production. The St. Lawrence-Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM) is urging visitors to help protect these vital trees by learning to identify and report invasive species.
Maple syrup production depends on healthy forests, but these insects weaken trees, disrupt ecosystems, and could have lasting effects on sap production. The spotted lanternfly, for example, feeds on over 100 plant species, including maple trees, while longhorned beetles tunnel into tree trunks, causing irreparable damage.
“Invasive species are a growing concern for New York’s forests and agriculture,” said Megan Pistolese-Shaw, Education Outreach Coordinator with SLELO PRISM. “By learning to recognize and report invasive species, visitors to Maple Weekend can play a direct role in protecting the trees that make maple syrup possible.”
SLELO PRISM encourages Maple Weekend attendees to inspect trees for signs of infestation, check vehicles and gear for egg masses before and after visiting sugarbushes, and report sightings to NYiMapInvasives.org or the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Visit the latest Pledge to Protect blog at sleloinvasives.org/pledge-to-protect-archive to get identification and reporting tips for these invasive pests. Attendees can also take a proactive role by joining SLELO PRISM’s Pledge to Protect, a program that empowers community members to take simple steps in preventing the spread of invasive species.
For more information on how to get involved, visit sleloinvasives.org. To sign up for the Pledge to Protect, please visit ipledgetoprotect.org.
