Blanding’s turtles, one of New York’s rarest threatened species, depend on healthy wetlands and surrounding upland habitats. Invasive plants like Phragmites, honeysuckle, and buckthorn have degraded these ecosystems, limiting food, movement, and nesting opportunities. With SLELO support, 53 acres in St. Lawrence County underwent targeted management in 2025 to restore the natural structure of these wetland habitats. Continued monitoring and native plantings in 2026 will help improve conditions for long-term turtle recovery.

Significant restoration work is underway at the David S. Smith Public Conservation Area to improve habitat for endangered Indiana and northern long-eared bats. With support from SLELO PRISM, Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust was able to remove 17 acres of invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle, opening the door for native trees and shrubs to return. Additional treatment and regeneration work will continue through 2026, with a second major planting phase expected in 2027. These efforts will expand forest habitat, strengthen climate resilience, and create new access for community engagement.

Learn about a special project led by Thousand Islands Land Trust that is advancing early detection and rapid response along nearly 20 miles of heavily used trail systems. Supported by SLELO PRISM, this project included detailed surveys to help identify invasive plant threats, prioritize management actions, and build a strong foundation for targeted treatment. Plans are underway to implement restoration-focused management and continue monitoring to protect high-quality natural areas for years to come.

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.

The New York Natural Heritage Program manages iMapInvasives, tracking invasive species and their impact on rare species. A shared map viewer helps PRISM staff target biodiversity protection efforts.