NYISAW returns June 8–14, 2026! NYISAW is a statewide campaign coordinated by DEC and PRISM partners to raise awareness about invasive species and their environmental, economic, and health impacts. Events are typically free and can take many forms.
In observance of NYISAW, SLELO PRISM, and partners are hosting free, public events across the region. Community members of all ages and experience levels are invited to join hands‑on field sessions, guided walks, interactive webinars, art showcases, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the world around you, NYISAW offers something for everyone! Local events are listed below, to view a state-wide calendar visit nyis.info.
NYISAW Events in the SLELO Region
- Aquatic Invasive Species Learning Experience (AISLE): Register to Attend
- June 10th, 10 AM- 12 PM: Session 1: Plant ID Webinar
- Land Protectors Learning Experience: Register to Attend
- June 11th, 10 AM- 1 PM: Invasive Species Management Field Session at Black Pond WMA at Black Pond WMA Access Rd, Henderson, NY
- June 12th, 10 AM-12 PM: Beech Leaf Disease Guided Survey Training, at Salmon River Falls 185 Falls Rd, Richland, NY 13144.
- SLELO PRISM BioBlitz26: Register to attend
- Host: SLELO PRISM
- Date: Saturday, June 13th
- Time: 9:30AM-1 PM
- Location: Lakeview WMA,Pierrepont Pl, Henderson, NY 13650
- Details: Participants can choose to take a guided walk or a paddle to explore and record species using iNaturalist. Bring your own bagged lunch to enjoy at the beach after the event. No experience needed, all ages are welcome!
- Can’t make it in person, we’ll go live on Facebook throughout the day to share highlights from the event!
- Those who register to attend can join us on June 8th 12-12:30 PM to get help setting up their iNaturalist account to prep for the event!
The Oneida County Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting an art exhibit featuring community and student-created pieces focused on invasive species. The artwork, showcased at the Oneida County Public Market, highlights local efforts to address environmental challenges
Art submissions for the display are also welcome. Below are the details and guidelines:
- Who: Anyone of any age
- What: Create art using any medium surrounding an invasive species theme.
- When: Exhibits to be displayed June 13th, 2026
- Where: Oneida County Public Market. @ Union Station, 321 Main St., Utica, NY (behind the train station).
To submit artwork: Contact Jessicapryda@oneidacountyswcd.org by June 1st or bring the artwork to the event.
- June 11th, 9:30 AM-2 PM
- Brasher Falls Maintenance Center, 118 Vice rd. Brasher, NY 13613
Invasive Species Trivia & Arboretum Walk with Tree Watertown
June 11th 4:30-6 PM, City Hall, 245 Washington St. Watertown, NY 13601. Join the Tree Watertown Committe monthly meeting to learn about invasive species threatening City’s urban forests, join a fun invasive species themed trivia game and a guided walk of the arboretum.
Watertown community members welcome to join, no registration required. Reach out to Emily Fell at easheridan84@gmail.com if you have questions.
We highly encourage our partners to participate in NYISAW by hosting or collaborating on events held within our region. Events can be anything that helps to raise awareness of invasive species and encourages the public to get involved. Some NYISAW event examples include but are not limited to, bioblitz, workshops, webinars, conferences, exhibits, removal or restoration efforts, guided hikes/paddles, documentary viewings, etc.
Visit the official NYISAW website for more information (updates for this year are forthcoming).
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