Community News

As summer winds down and the seasons begin to shift, the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM) is reminding residents that invasive species prevention is a year-round effort. Through its Pledge to Protect initiative, the organization is calling on community members to double down on small but impactful actions, while taking advantage of seasonal resources, timely identification tips, and upcoming educational events.

"The Pledge to Protect isn't just a one-time commitment," said Megan Pistolese-Shaw, SLELO PRISM's Education, Outreach & Communications Coordinator. "Each season brings different opportunities—and responsibilities—for protecting the lands and waters we all love."

Invasive Species to Watch This Fall

SLELO PRISM encourages Pledgers and residents to watch for these invasive species that remain active or identifiable as summer transitions to fall:

• Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) – An invasive plant hopper that threatens cash crops like apples, grapes, and hops. SLF can hitchhike on vehicles and lay eggs on nearly any outdoor surface. Check vehicles, RVs, watercraft/trailers, and outdoor equipment before and after traveling.
• Black and Pale Swallow-wort – Perennial vines that smother native vegetation and threaten monarch butterflies, which can mistake swallow-worts for milkweed.
• Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) – Caused by a nematode that deforms leaves, reducing photosynthesis and weakening trees over time. SLELO PRISM will host a guided walk to train and recruit volunteers to recognize and report BLD on September 26 at Salmon River Falls in Richland, NY. Those interested can register on the SLELO PRISM website at www.sleloinvasives.org/events.

Invasive Species Expo Set for September 14–16

SLELO PRISM invites the public to attend the Invasive Species Expo, taking place September 14–16 at Saratoga Spa State Park. The event brings together land stewards, researchers, and community protectors for hands-on workshops, expert insights, and conversations focused on ecosystem health and invasive species prevention. Those interested must register at nyis.info/new-york-invasive-species-expo/.

To help residents stay proactive through the fall, SLELO PRISM encourages the use of its Blog Archive and Protector Toolkits, curated resources designed to guide invasive species awareness and prevention efforts. Whether you spend time in forests, gardens, or on the water, these toolkits provide practical, easy-to-follow actions to help you reduce the spread of invasives and protect native habitats. These resources can also be accessed at www.sleloinvasives.org/pledge-to-protect/.

Community members are also encouraged to refresh their commitment to Play Clean Go practices: clean boots, bikes, and gear before and after outdoor adventures; clean, drain, and dry boats and fishing equipment; and regularly check gardens and yards to identify and manage invasive plants.

To learn more, explore the toolkits, or sign the Pledge to Protect, visit https://www.sleloinvasives.org.