Category: Parks and Forests

Shopping For Christmas Trees?

by Ryan Parker and Brian Eshenaur When choosing the perfect tree, people usually consider variety, size, and shape. But with the phenomenon of a new invasive planthopper, Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) (SLF), the tree’s origin may be something to think about. We always suggest fresh-cut trees from New York’s many great tree farms!   First…Continue Reading Shopping For Christmas Trees?

Revisiting wild parsnip

Wild parsnip sap can cause painful, localized burning and blistering of the skin.  New York State Department of Environmental Conservation A few weeks ago we discussed the invasive wild parsnip as a hidden danger for weekend weedwackers. Now it is much more obvious with its bright yellow flowers, but if you are looking to control…Continue Reading Revisiting wild parsnip

Don’t Make Your Own Tick Tubes

“Frugality, I’ve learned, has its own cost, one that sometimes lasts forever.” – Nicholas Sparks Commercially available “tick tubes” are tubes filled with permethrin-infused cotton. Mice take the cotton to line their nests and are treated for ticks every time they return home. It’s estimated that a typical ¼ acre yard needs six tubes twice…Continue Reading Don’t Make Your Own Tick Tubes

360° Pollinator Garden Tour

Have you ever wondered what pollinator-supporting plants you can add to your property ? Here’s an excellent and enjoyable way to find out.  Funded by one of our Community IPM Grants, Cooperative Extension of Putnam County created the perfect example. While you can certainly stop in to visit, (Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County,  1…Continue Reading 360° Pollinator Garden Tour

#Ticks. Avoid Them. Remove Them. Here’s How.

Winter weather doesn’t mean time to stop thinking about ticks.  Certainly not for the Don’t Get Ticked New York team here at the NYSIPM program.  Tick are active year round, and are out looking for hosts We’ve continued to provide resources and give talks around the state, and update our own resources. Visit the Don’t…Continue Reading #Ticks. Avoid Them. Remove Them. Here’s How.

Not Too Early to Start Planning for Pollinator Habitat

Today’s post is from our Biocontrol Specialist, Amara Dunn Have seed and plant catalogs started arriving in your mailbox, yet? This is the time of year I start thinking wistfully about the arrival of spring. If your spring daydreams include planting habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects, keep reading for the latest on NYS…Continue Reading Not Too Early to Start Planning for Pollinator Habitat