As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, New Yorkers are hitting the road to enjoy some of the best that fall has to offer. From salmon fishing and camping trips to scenic hikes and leaf-peeping adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to get outside this season.
Unfortunately, we’re not always the only ones traveling. Invasive species are excellent hitchhikers and can be moved from place to place on firewood, vehicles, gear, and clothing. The good news? A few simple habits can make a big difference in protecting the forests, waterways, and trails we all enjoy.
This October, celebrate Firewood Month and explore our tips for enjoying fall adventures without the hitchhikers. Together, we can help stop the spread of invasive species while making the most of the season.
Gather Around the Campfire, Not the Pests
Nothing says fall like a campfire on a crisp autumn evening. Unfortunately, firewood can transport invasive insects and diseases long distances, introducing them to new forests and communities.
Protect the trees you love by:
- Buying firewood where you’ll burn it.
- Using certified, heat-treated firewood when appropriate.
- Burning all your firewood before leaving your campsite.
- Leaving unused firewood behind rather than transporting it to a new location.
2026 Webinar Series
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Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 at 1pm EST
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2026 at 3pm EST
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Tuesday, October 20th, 2026 at 3pm EST
Fishing for Salmon: Help Protect Your Favorite Fishing Spots
As anglers travel to streams and rivers across the state, invasive species can hitch a ride on vehicles, gear, and equipment.
Before and after your trip:
- Inspect your vehicle, trailer, and equipment for spotted lanternfly adults and egg masses.
- Report spotted lanternfly observations to NYiMapInvasives.org.
- Destroy any spotted lanternflies or egg masses you find.
Walking along the riverside to cast your line? Be sure to avoid walking through invasive knotweed patches. New plants can form from broken branches that hit the ground or fall into the water.
- Check boots and gear for plant fragments before leaving the area.
- Remove mud and vegetation before visiting another waterbody.
Leaf Peeping with a Purpose
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy New York’s spectacular foliage. While you’re taking in the views, consider becoming an extra set of eyes for our forests.
Keep an eye out for beech leaf disease, an invasive forest disease affecting American beech trees.
Signs to watch for:
- Dark striping between leaf veins.
- Leaves with a leathery texture.
- Curled, distorted, or unusually thick leaves.
If you suspect beech leaf disease, report your observation through NYiMapInvasives.
Every report helps scientists and land managers better understand where the disease is spreading.
Upcoming Event
Get your hands dirty for conservation, join restoration plantings. Please register to attend. No experience is needed—just enthusiasm. All tools and guidance will be provided.
Are you looking for more resources to help you protect your favorite outdoor spaces? Our Protector’s Toolboxes hold a variety of resources to help you learn ways to prevent, manage, and identify invasive species you may encounter while enjoying the outdoors.
Did you enjoy this blog post? Take our Pledge to Protect and get monthly emails showcasing actions you can take to protect your favorite hiking trails, paddleways, forests, garden, and community from the impacts of invasive species!
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The Pledge-to-Protect is a fun, positive, inviting, engaging and rewarding way to participate in invasive species prevention and management.
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