“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” –Helen Keller
Do you go outside? Then the NY Natural Heritage Program is looking for you to help map invasive species! And they are providing free training throughout the state for your convenience. And it is easier than ever to contribute to this recordkeeping effort – iMapInvasives is available on your smartphone. (And recordkeeping is such an important step in IPM!)
New York iMapInvasives is New York State’s on-line all-taxa invasive species database and mapping tool. It’s one stop shopping to provide information on your invasive species observations and surveys in NY and control efforts. You can even use your smartphone to report new findings (a new feature for those that have already received training).
Training is required to enter data, and free sessions are being offered this spring in each of the Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (or PRISM for those in the know). It includes beginner and advanced levels — plus sessions on how to identify invasives at some of the locations.
Citizen scientists, educators, and natural resource professionals are part of New York’s invasive species early detection network. Join them by learning how to use iMapInvasives. Visit www.nyimapinvasives.org for schedule details and registration.
PRISM |
Location |
Date |
| Capital-Mohawk PRISM | Fonda, NY | May 17 |
| Lower Hudson | Valhalla, NY | May 24 |
| Finger Lakes | Binghamton, NY | June 2 |
| Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership | Mt. Tremper, NY | June 3 |
| St. Lawrence-Eastern Lake Ontario | Watertown, NY | June 14 |
| Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program | Bolton Landing, NY | June 19 |
| Long Island Invasive Species Management Area | Oakdale, NY | June 23 |
| Invasive Species Awareness Week | Delmar, NY | July 14 |
Questions? Contact imapinvasives@nynhp.org.
And speaking of invasives, you can ensure your garden and landscape are not contributing to the invasives problem by using choosing native plants. Walk away from the Japanese barberry and Norway maple (they are restricted in NY anyway) and discover other beautiful options. Alternatives to Ornamental Invasive Plants: A Sustainable Solution for New York State is available online.
The Invasive Species Database Program is supported by the NYS Environmental Protection Fund through a contract with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.