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.
Protector’s Activity: Species You Can Spot This Season
December 11, 2025
Virtual Hike Challenge
November 14, 2025
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.
Protector’s Activity: learn how to choose firewood responsibly.
October 6, 2025
Cozy Campfires Start with Smart Firewood Choices. Help protect New York’s forests this fall—learn how to choose firewood responsibly.
Beech Leaf Disease: A Growing Threat to Our Forests
September 9, 2025
The forests of the Northeastern United States and Canada are facing a silent but serious threat—Beech Leaf Disease (BLD). You can help by learning to recognize and report BLD.
How to Keep Your Pledge Going Strong
August 13, 2025
Summer may be winding down, but your Pledge-To-Protect actions—like checking for invasives, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others—can still make a big impact on the lands and waters you love.
A Ripple Starts with You: Safeguarding Our Lakes, Rivers, and Streams with SLELO PRISM
June 26, 2025
Enjoying the water this summer? Don’t let aquatic invasive species hitch a ride and protect our lakes from these hidden threats.
Protect What You Love: Volunteer with SLELO PRISM This Summer
May 30, 2025
Imagine dipping your paddle into a quiet cove, the morning sun glinting off the water as you glide toward a patch of floating plants. Around you, a team of volunteers […]
Growing Smart: How Climate-Smart Gardening Can Help Protect New York’s Landscapes
May 7, 2025
Learn how climate-smart gardening can help stop invasive species, protect native plants, and build a resilient landscape in the SLELO region.
Celebrate Earth Month with SLELO PRISM
April 7, 2025
April is Earth month! Learn easy and fun ways to take action to protect your favorite outdoor spaces from invasive species.
Protecting Maple Syrup: How Invasive Species Affect New York’s Sweetest Tradition
March 19, 2025
March is maple syrup month, and who doesn’t enjoy some delicious maple syrup on some nice fluffy pancakes. Check out this Protector’s blog to learn of invasive pests that threaten maple syrup production.