The Land Protectors Learning Experience is a unique opportunity to learn to identify, survey, report, and manage priority terrestrial invasive species through virtual and hands-on experiences. Participants become a land protector and are invited to adopt a trail to survey for priority invasive species. Learn more about the full Land Protector program.
Sessions include seasonal training webinars and immersive field experiences. Summer sessions are held June-July, followed by fall restoration plantings, and a special winter hemlock woolly adelgid learning session.
Participants can join single sessions but are encouraged to attend or watch the webinar session and join at least one of the in-person field sessions to get the best experience.
2026 Learning Experience Overview: Summer Session: Held June- July & October
Webinar Training: A recording will be made available
- Held on June 3rd, 1 PM- 2:30 PM via Zoom
- Watch the webinar recording
Learning Objectives:
- Learn to identify and report priority terrestrial invasive species.
- Learn how to use community science identification tools, including iMapInvasives, iNaturalist, and Seek.
Summer Management Field Sessions: Equipment and guidance will be provided.
Session 1: Gain experience with field identification and manual management of yellow iris and swallow-wort.
- When: June 11th, 10 AM – 1 PM
- Alternate bad weather date: 6/18
- Where: Black Pond WMA: Black Pond WMA Access Rd, Henderson NY
Session 2: Gain experience with field identification and manual management of swallow-wort and learn about site restoration efforts.
- When: June 27th, 10 AM- 1 PM
- Alternate bad weather date: 6/28.
- Where: El Dorado Preserve: Grand Jean Rd, Henderson, NY
Session 3: Gain experience with field identification and manual management of yellow iris with option to join a water chestnut pull being held at 9 AM at the site.
- When: July 22nd
- Optional Water Chestnut Removal: 9 AM-1 PM
- Yellow-Iris Removal: 1:15 PM- 3 PM
- Alternate bad weather date: 7/23
- Where: Lakeview WMA South Colwell Pond: Montario Point Rd. Ellisburg/Mansville, NY
Summer Guided Survey Training Sessions: Gain experience identifying, surveying, and reporting elm zigzag sawfly.
Session : Target species: elm zigzag sawfly
- When: June 16th 10:30 AM- 12:30 PM
- Alternate bad weather date: 6/17
- Where: Walter Pratt Memorial Park: Old Keenan Road, Brasher Falls, NY 13613
Fall Restoration Sessions: Held in October
Join restoration plantings and learn about restoration efforts. Equipment and guidance will be provided.
Session 1:
- When: October 16th, 9 AM- 2 PM Times are tentatively scheduled
- Where: Deer Creek Marsh WMA: South Rainbow Shores Road, Pulaski, NY
Session 2:
- When: October 17th, 10 AM- 3 PM Times are tentatively scheduled
- Where: El Dorado Preserve: Grand Jean Rd, Henderson, NY
Winter Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Sessions: Held December-March.
Session 1: December, date TBD: HWA and iMapInvasives webinar.
Topics Covered:
- HWA overview, impacts, and distribution in the SLELO region
- iMapInvasives mobile app and desktop version tutorial
- Adopt a trail to survey for HWA
Session 2: December date TBD: Field trip to view HWA. Location TBD.
- See HWA in person
- Practice using the iMapInvasives mobile app
- Learn about HWA biocontrol efforts in the SLELO region
Session 3: Guided HWA Surveys held each month January-March. Dates/locations TBD.
Request to promote or record metrics of invasive species related events held in the SLELO region via the online forms.
Partner meetings are held in the winter, spring, and fall; to receive partner meeting announcements, please fill out the form on our Partners Webpage or email brittney.rogers@tnc.org.
The PRISM Network hosts a monthly Speaker Series on the last Wednesday of each month (except July, August, and December). To receive invitations, please sign up for the SLELO PRISM listserv.
iMapInvasives holds training webinars after the PRISM Speaker Series from 1 pm-2 pm. Visit the iMap website for details and to register.
View Events Pages of the PRISM Network