Winter is the perfect season to spot invasive species that threaten our forests, lands and trails.. Many invasives stand out in the cold months with lingering leaves, persistent berries, and distinctive bark, making identification easier. From common buckthorn and colorful porcelain berry to forest pests like hemlock woolly adelgid, this guide highlights what to look for and how you can help protect native ecosystems.

The Nature Conservancy and SLELO-PRISM are excited to announce an opportunity for our partners to submit nominations for special project funding!

SLELO PRISM holds our annual Virtual Hike Challenge (VHC). The challenge, happening November through March, pairs winter hiking with simple instructions to help keep an eye out for hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). HWA is an invasive forest pest that is confirmed to be present in Oswego County and is spreading along the Eastern Lake Ontario shoreline.

New York State is offering exciting funding and research opportunities to support environmental conservation and invasive species management.

Our Aquatic Invasive Species Learning Experience (AISLE) has empowered over 100 participants to protect New York’s freshwater ecosystems. Through hands-on learning and the Water Protectors initiative, volunteers are adopting local waterbodies, monitoring for invasive species, and building a community of informed stewards. With year three on the horizon, AISLE continues to grow—and you’re invited to join the movement!

Gardeners and landscapers in the St. Lawrence and Eastern Lake Ontario region should be alert—box tree moth is on the move. First detected in New York in 2021, this invasive pest can defoliate and kill boxwood shrubs within weeks. Its caterpillars hide deep in the foliage, making early detection critical. Cornell IPM offers resources for identifying and managing this pest, including organic treatment options and alternative plant suggestions.

The Nature Conservancy, in partnership with the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District, is leading a bold reforestation effort in Jefferson County—one of New York’s top areas for tree planting. As part of the state’s goal to plant 680 million trees by 2040, this collaboration is testing innovative landowner incentives and planting strategies to scale up reforestation, restore ecosystems, and fight climate change.

Parrotfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) may look stunning in garden ponds, but this invasive aquatic plant is spreading rapidly across North America. With its feathery foliage and ability to form dense mats, it outcompetes native species and disrupts ecosystems. Recently detected in Onondaga County, early action is key to preventing its costly spread and protecting New York’s waterways.

Researchers at SUNY Oswego’s Aquatic Conservation Laboratory are teaming up with SLELO PRISM to track invasive species in the Lake Ontario watershed using eDNA technology. This innovative approach helps detect threats early—before they spread—boosting efforts to protect native ecosystems.

A new initiative, Seeds of Stewardship, is taking root across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. Led by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, the project aims to build a regional native seed network that supports eco-systems, restores habitats, and strengthens our connection to the land and water.