Volunteer Surveillance Network Virtual Trainings
2021-09-01 - 2023-01-01
Pick a Time Slot to Attend a Virtual Training
Training times are flexible
The SLELO PRISM’s invasive species Volunteer Surveillance Network (VSN) is intended to recruit and train volunteers to recognize and report invasive species that are in low abundance or within close proximity to the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Region boundaries (Oneida, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence).
This training is intended for new VSN members or for existing members who may need a refresher on how to recognize the priority species and report observations to iMapInvasives.
Training Overview:
Duration-1 and a half hours

Who is SLELO PRISM
Overview of VSN
Species Identification
Reporting to iMap
Exploring the VSN Story-Map

Pre-training homework:

Create a free iMapInvasives user account (sign up here, 2-min YouTube Tutorial)

Contact Megan Pistolese megan.pistolese@tnc.org with questions, including the subject line “VSN Training”.

LIISMA-LINPI CONFERENCE: RESILIENT LI
2022-04-07 08:00 - 18:00 UTC
April, 7th 2022
8am-6pm est
Via Zoom
DETAILS & REGISTRATION

The Long Island Invasive Species Management Area and its host organization, the Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI) are pleased to announce their upcoming virtual conference on April 7, 2022. The conference will provide great opportunities for learning the latest on invasive and native species on Long Island, with an eye for preparing for future challenges together.

Lake Ontario's Most Unwanted Webinar
2022-04-21 12:00 - 13:00
April 21st, 2022
12pm EST
REGISTER

Learn more about invasive species in Lake Ontario, why they’re a problem, and how Canada and the U.S. are taking steps to prevent their introduction and spread in the Basin.

Agenda
12:00 Welcome
Emma Tahirali, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

12:00 – 12:10 Introduction to invasive species in the Great Lakes
Kevin O’Donnell, U.S. EPA

12:10 – 12:15 State of Lake Ontario invasive species and binational prevention
Luca Cargnelli, ECCC and Kristina Heinemann, U.S. EPA

12:15 – 12:30 Invasive species detection and surveillance along the South Shore: Annual surveys to detect new invasive species from the Niagara to the St. Lawrence Rivers
Zy Biesinger, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

12:30 – 12:45 Ontario’s Invasive Species Awareness Program: Working with communities to remove aquatic invasive species
Brook Schryer, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters

12:45 – 12:50 News you can use – Boat Stewardship and other programs: Community education program for boaters on the spread of aquatic invasive species (e.g., invasive plants and quagga mussels)
Emma Antolos, N.Y. State Department of Environmental Conservation; Emma Tahirali, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

12:50 – 1:00 Audience Q&A
Emma Tahirali, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

1:00 Close

For questions or comments, please email Carol.Kim@canada.ca or Brandt.Peter@epa.gov.

Landscape Pests
2022-04-23 10:00 - 12:00
Saturday, April 23rd
10 AM – 12 PM
CCE Jefferson
203 N. Hamilton St. Watertown
REGISTER
EVENT FLYER
Join our partners at the Jefferson County Cornell Cooperative Extension to learn how to identify, prevent the spread of, and control invasive jumping worms, spotted lanternfly, and Lymantria dispar (formally called the gypsy moth).

New York Invasive Species Awarness Week
2022-06-06 - 2022-06-12
June 6th-the 12th New York observes Invasive Species Awareness Week (NYISAW). This is a state-wide outreach campaign aimed to raise awareness and engage the public to take action to protect their lands and waters from the impacts caused by invasive species. Organizations and stakeholders across the state will be hosting outreach events during this week, and you can too! List your event on the NYISAW webpage by clicking this link. A list of upcoming NYISAW events can be viewed on the New York Invasive Species Information Website.

Below is a list of NYISAW events happening in the SLELO region. Reach out to megan.pistolese@tnc.org to collaborate on events in SLELO.
Webinars will be hosted by the NY PRISM Network Monday through Friday at 1 pm and 7 pm. Visit the New York Invasive Species Information Website for a schedule.

6/9/22- Chaumont Barrens Guided Hike for the Wounded Warriors Group
6/8/22- Black River Watershed Conference-SLELO will be presenting on our Urban Forest Sustainability Initiative and the Pledge to Protect
6/8/22- Watertown Farmers Market Table- Volunteers from CCE, IRLC, and SLELO will share information about NYISAW
6/10/22- NYISAW Downtown: Urban Walk and Talk, Business Engagements & Documentary Viewing
6/10/22- IRLC Watershed Quality Conference- Watercraft Inspection Stewards will have an exhibit set up
6/11/22- South Sandy Creek Experience: Treck/Paddle/Demo
6/11/22-Minna Anthony Nature Center- Swallow-wort Removal Effort
6/12/22- Potsdam Church NYISAW Presentation and Outdoor Invasives Tour

NYISAW Webinar- Native Alternatives to Common Invasive Garden Plants
2022-06-07 13:00 - 14:00
June 7th at 1 pm
Via Zoom
REGISTER
Many invasive plants were once considered desirable ornamentals that were intentionally introduced to gardens and landscapes only to escape into our natural environments. You can play a vital role in the introduction and the prevention of invasive plants by choosing to grow native species and taking action to control invasives you may find on your property. This presentation will provide an overview of native alternatives to common invasive garden plants, the benefits of native plants, and ways to get involved.
Presented by Megan Pistolese-Shaw with SLELO PRISM and Cecilia Pershyn Western NY PRISM.
This webinar is part of the New York Invasive Species Awareness Week (NYISAW) webinar series. Visit www.nyis.info/nyisaw/to learn of other webinars in this series.

Black River Watershed Conference
2022-06-08 08:00 - 16:00
June 8th, 8 am-4 pm
3 Willows Event Center in Lyons Falls, NY
Event Details/ Registration
The conference is part of an outreach effort originating from the development of the Black River Watershed Management Plan. The goal of the conference is to reach out to decision-makers, citizens, and other interested agencies that live and work in our watershed and inform them about issues the watershed is facing, demonstrate the latest research findings, as well as highlight projects that are underway.
SLELO PRISM will be presenting on our Urban Forest Sustainability Initiative (UFSI), and have an exhibit set up showcasing the UFSI and the Pledge to Protect.

South Sandy Creek Experience: Walk, Paddle, and Demonstrations
2022-06-11 09:30 - 14:00
Saturday, June 11th
9:30am-2pm
Lakeview Wildlife Management Area South Sandy Creek Car-top Boat Launch
2234 NY-3, Mannsville, NY 13661 (Google Map)
REGISTER
As part of New York’s Invasive Species Awareness Week, SLELO PRISM is hosting a special event showcasing the invasive species management & restoration work we’ve undergone as part of our Aquatic Restoration Initiative. This event will also include a full day of activities including the following:

Hands-on aquatic and terrestrial plant identification
A guided walk to exhibit invasive species control & restoration work that has been done at the site
Mobile app demonstrations for iMapInvasives and iNaturalist
eDNA water sample demonstrations
Underwater drone demonstrations
Watercraft inspection demonstrations
The day will end with a guided paddle showcasing control & restoration work that has been done along the shoreline of the creek. An option to paddle to the beach to enjoy your own bagged lunch will be offered.

NYISAW_Wellesley Island's Swallow-wort Shovel
2022-06-11 10:00 - 14:00
June 11th 10am-2pm
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center (Wellesley Island State Park)
44927 Cross Island Rd, Fineview, NY 13640
Contact: Maria.Cipullo@parks.ny.gov
Calling volunteers and Earth heroes of all ages! Help us protect our native habitat’s biodiversity by removing an invasive plant species called swallow-wort. Please bring work gloves and a good pair of shoes. Tools will be provided, but bring a gardening trowel and knee pads if you have them.
Participants do not have to pay the Park’s day-use fee. Groups will meet at the Nature Center for instructions at 10 am and again at 12pm, stay as long as you’d like!
To register, please call the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center (315) 482-2479.

Launch and Learn
2022-07-11 - 2022-08-08
The Watercraft Steward Program in the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Region is co-administered by SLELO PRISM and the Thousand Islands Land Trust. The program runs annually from approximately late May through early October.
You can join a special Launch and Learn every Monday from 1 pm-3 pm, beginning July 11th through August 8th. Stewards will be providing live demonstrations showcasing aquatic invasive species and prevention techniques you can practice to help protect your favorite boating, fishing, and swimming spots.
Facebook Event
Launch and Learn Locations & Dates:
Click location for a google map.
July 11: Butterfield Boat launch is in Redwood, NY
July 18: East End Waterfront Park and Boat Launch in Cape Vincent
July 25: Lakeview WMA- South Sandy Creek Car-top boat Launch in Mannsville, NY
Aug 1: Massena
Aug 8: Wrights Landing Marina in Oswego

New York ReLeaf Conference
2022-07-21 - 2022-07-23
July 21-23
Jefferson Community College, Watertown NY
Event Details
ReLeaf is a part of the Urban Forestry Program at NYSDEC and it is run in partnership with the NYS Urban Forestry Council. This year’s ReLeaf Conference is “Trees Bring Us Together.” The keynote speaker for the conference is Ian Leahy, Vice President of Urban Forestry at American Forests. SLELO PRISM will have an exhibit up and be giving a presentation on June 23rd during Session I held from 10 am-11 am on our Urban Forest Sustainability Initiative and Pledge to Protect.

Great Lakes Ecosystem Education Exchange Workshops
2022-07-25 - 2022-08-09
Teachers and educators from across New York are invited to join the New York Sea Grant and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation this summer for FREE WORKSHOPS to learn about GreatLakes educational resources!
Great Lakes Ecosystem Education Exchange Summer Workshops – Throughout July and August, NYSG and the DEC will be hosting outdoor workshops to connect teachers and educators to their local watersheds, demonstrate Great Lakes and activities, and feature presentations from environmental organizations and scientific experts. Workshops participants are eligible for a $50 participant payment. Workshops will be held from 1:00 pm -3:30 pm. Click here to register and reserve your spot at a Great Lakes Ecosystem Education Exchange workshop today!

Monday, July 25th – Rice Creek Biological Field Station, Oswego, NY
Tuesday, July 26th – Robert Moses State Park, Massena, NY
Monday, August 8th – Ontario Beach, Rochester, NY
Tuesday, August 9th – Buffalo Harbor State Park, Buffalo, NY

Guffin Bay Water Chestnut Pull
2022-08-01 09:00 - 12:00
Help remove water chestnut from Guffin Bay on Monday, August 1st, 9 am-12 pm.
REGISTER

Meet: on the corner of Old Moffatt Road and Road 212 in Dexter NY (Google Map)
Event Duration: 9am-12pm
Description: Easy 10-15 minute paddle from the launch site to Guffin Creek. We will travel the creek and pull water chestnuts as they are encountered. Bags will be provided.
What to bring: Bring your own watercraft and life vest (there may be limited ability to lend watercraft/life vests upon request). Water, snacks, sunscreen, and outdoor attire.

Find Invasives-Trail Trek
2022-08-08 18:00 - 20:00
Monday, August 8th
6 pm Via Zoom
REGISTER
Want to make a difference in your community? Want to help the environment? Need a reason to get outside and back in shape? Join the Trail Trek! The Trail Trek is a volunteer initiative by the Finger Lakes PRISM to find three of the worst invasive species across the region in the month of August.
Taking part is easy, after a brief virtual training, on 8/8 @ 6 pm, you will record the presence of these three species if you come across them on a hiking trail, in a park, or in your backyard. Invasive species are one of our greatest environmental threats. Don’t just sit on the sidelines – help us fight invasive species!

Great Lakes Coastal Resilience Curriculum Workshop
2022-08-18 - 2022-08-19
Great Lakes Coastal Resilience Curriculum Workshop – on August 18th & 19th, NYSG and the Center for Great Lakes Literacy will be hosting a free two-day workshop in Buffalo, NY to learn from regional experts on climate change and coastal resilience in the Great Lakes and work together to develop new lesson plans and activities for their classrooms and programs. This workshop is free for teachers and educators in New York and will provide a $225 participant payment, travel reimbursement for hotel lodging and mileage, and meals during the workshop. The workshop will be held from 9:00 am -4:00 pm on the 18th and 9:00 am – 3:00 pm on the 19th. Space is limited for these workshops so if you are interested in participating, click here to register and reserve your spot at the Great Lakes Coastal Resilience Curriculum workshop today!

Connected Waters eDNA Project
2022-08-25 13:00 - 14:00
Thursday, August 25th
1 pm-2 pm EST
via zoom
REGISTER
SLELO PRISM and APIPP PRISM are collaborating to continue environmental DNA sampling that has been occurring in SLELO PRISM and expand into the Adirondack region. The results from this project will help to improve our understanding of aquatic invasive species distribution and enhance our aquatic early detection work. This webinar will provide an overview of this collaborative project.

Identifying and Reporting Spotted Lanternfly & Tree-of-heaven with iMapInvasives
2022-09-14 10:00 - 11:00
The spotted lanternfly is out in full force in some parts of the state – luckily we have a network of professionals and volunteers working together to monitor its spread. Tune in to the next iMapInvaisves webinar on Wednesday, September 14th, at 10 AM to learn more about the spotted lanternfly, its preferred host plant (tree-of-heaven), and the collaborative grid square survey effort.
Webinar: Identifying and Reporting Spotted Lanternfly & Tree-of-heaven with iMapInvasives
Wednesday, Sep 14th, 10:00 am
Presenters: Thom Allgaier (NYS AGM), Anne Mills (NYS AGM), Mitchell O’Neill (NYNHP)
Register here
Learn more at www.nyimapinvasives.org/slf.
Note: continuing education credits will be available for NYSDEC certified pesticide applicators (1.5 credits for the following categories: 2, 3a, 9, 10), upon completion of a post-webinar quiz.

Forest Pest Hunters: Surveying for Beech Leaf Disease
2022-09-15 10:00 - 11:30
Join our partners at the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) for a free webinar from 10:00-11:30 am on Thursday, September 15, to learn about beech leaf disease (BLD) and how you can help survey for it in the Adirondack region.
BLD was first detected in Ohio in 2012 and in New York State in 2018. In 2022, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) confirmed the presence of beech leaf disease in over 30 counties in New York including Herkimer County, the first infestation in the APIPP PRISM. Little is known about BLD, and researchers are still trying to determine its cause and how it spreads.
DEC Forest Health Specialist Maria MoskaLee will shed some light on BLD with a discussion on BLD history, identification and lookalikes, and research. APIPP Terrestrial Invasive Species Coordinator Becca Bernacki will cover basic survey techniques and how you can sign up to adopt a trail to survey, and DEC End User Support Specialist Mitchell O’Neill will review the iMapInvasives app, which can be used to report the presence of BLD.
The Society of American Foresters has approved 1.5 hours of Category 1 Continuing Forestry Education credits for this workshop. Participants who desire credits must attend the entire webinar.
Free Webinar
Thursday, September 15th
10am-11:30am
REGISTER

Hike to Protect Beech Trees
2022-09-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Joseph Blake Wildlife Sanctuary 31827 Middle Rd, Watertown, NY 13601, 31827 Middle Rd, Watertown, NY, 13601, United States
Enjoy a guided walk in the woods, and learn to recognize and report the newest threat to American Beech Trees: Beech Leaf Disease (BLD). Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust (THTLT), the St. Lawrence-Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM), and NYS DEC Forest Health Specialist Maria MoskaLee will lead the program.
BLD is spreading rapidly across the Northeastern U.S. and Canada, affecting and killing both native and ornamental beech tree species. Associated with a nematode whose presence is thought to cause leaf disfiguration including striping and curling. Young trees can die in less than five years after the first signs of damage appear. BLD has only been discovered in recent years. In 2022, it has been found in 15 new counties in New York, for a total of 35 infected counties. It was recently found in Oswego County in the SLELO region, and nearby on the southwestern edge of the Adirondacks.
Tuesday, September 20th
1pm-3pm
Joseph A Blake Wildlife Sanctuary
REGISTER
Registration is required no later than 8 pm on Monday, September 19th.
Prior to attending, participants should follow these steps to be able to report observations and aid state-wide early detection efforts:

Make a Free iMapInvasives User Account
Download the Free iMapInvasives Mobile App

Comparative Approaches to Aquatic Invasive Species Management
2022-10-06 12:00 - 13:00
This event is jointly sponsored by the Québec government office in Chicago and Marquette University’s Water Law and Policy Initiative. It is presented in conjunction with Current’s Chicago Water Week 2022.
The conversation is expected to cover invasive species management approaches in a variety of contexts, including the effort to prevent invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes. Experts from both sides of the border will participate, including:

Colleen Callahan, Director, Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Annick Drouin, Ph.D., Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator for the Québec Government
Moderator: Kerith Brand, Public and Governmental Affairs Attachée, Québec Government Office in Chicago
Introduction by David Strifling, Director, Marquette University Water Law and Policy Initiative

The event is free to attend and open to the public. REGISTER
NOTE: The link to join the virtual meeting will not be visible until 24 hours prior to the event. To join the event, click the link within the reminder email you receive on the day of the event. If you do not already have one, you will need to create an Eventbrite account (it takes less than a minute and be sure to use your Eventbrite account email address to register for this event).
Questions? Contact Professor David A. Strifling at david.strifling@marquette.edu or 414.288.8036

Adirondack Invasive Species Summit
2022-10-19 09:00 - 16:30
Join our partners at APIPP, and the Adirondack Experience: The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, for the Invasive Species at Our Door: Adirondack Invasive Species Summit. This free, day-long event will focus on the threat and the opportunity to manage two invasive species that have the potential to dramatically impact Adirondack forests and freshwater ecosystems—hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) and hydrilla.
The summit will feature some of the region’s experts on HWA, a forest pest that is taking hold in the Lake George region. HWA panelists include David Orwig, Senior Ecologist and Forest Ecologist from Harvard Forest; Gary Lovett, Senior Scientist for the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies; and Mark Whitmore, Director of the New York State Hemlock Initiative for Cornell University. The featured speakers will talk about the impact HWA may have on Adirondack forest ecosystems and the carbon sequestration potential of our forests, as well as how to manage hemlock to reduce these impacts. Speakers will also address the potential for biocontrols to help in the fight against HWA. Following the presentations, participants will have a chance to discuss the implications for the Adirondacks if HWA is here to stay.
The summit is also a chance to learn more about hydrilla, an aquatic invasive species that is present in other regions of New York. Meg Modley, Aquatic Invasive Species Management Coordinator for the Lake Champlain Basin Program, will provide an introduction to hydrilla, and cover the plant’s current infestation locations and how its presence could impact the Adirondacks. Dr. Susan Wilde, Associate Professor with the University of Georgia, who recently discovered a link between a bacteria connected with hydrilla and the death of eagles in the Southeast, will discuss her groundbreaking research. The Army Corps of Engineers will share the latest best management practices for managing hydrilla and Bill Brosseau, Stewardship Director for the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute, will discuss Adirondack hydrilla prevention programs. Following the presentations, participants will have a chance to discuss what we can do to prevent or prepare for infestations of hydrilla in the Adirondacks.
The summit will be held at the Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake located at, 9097 Route 30, Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812. There is no charge to attend, but space is limited so you must pre-register.
The Society of American Foresters has approved 5 hours of Category 1 Continuing Forestry Education credits for this workshop. Participants who desire credits must attend the entire event.
Participants are kindly expected to wear masks when indoors at the Museum. For those who cannot attend in person, presentations will be live-streamed on Facebook (or a similar platform); however, viewers will not be able to participate in the discussions. (The Livestream will be recorded, but audio and visual quality may be variable.)

Working with Nature for Shorelines Workshop and Tour
2022-10-21 13:00 - 16:00
Join our partners with the New York Sea Grant (NYSG) for an informative workshop from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 21, 2022, to provide shoreline residents and contractors an overview of shoreline management techniques with a concentration on the use of natural and nature-based features. NYSG has organized the free “Working with Nature for Shorelines” workshop in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), New York State Department of State (DOS), Save The River, and Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District. Funding for the workshop has been provided by DEC. Register by October 14 at https://bit.ly/3QyhWyW or call NYSG at 315-312-3042 for assistance.
Workshop presentations will include an introduction to nature-based shorelines, site visits and the DEC shoreline permitting process, overviews of local Coastal Lakeshore Economy and Resiliency Initiative (CLEAR) projects, funding sources, and volunteer opportunities. Speakers include NYSG Coastal Processes and Hazards Specialist Roy Widrig, author of Working with Nature: A Guide to Native Plants for New York’s Great Lakes Shorelines.” An optional shoreline tour of ongoing nature-based shoreline restoration at Lyme Town Park will follow the workshop.
New York Sea Grant is a cooperative program of Cornell University and the State University of New York and one of 34 university-based programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Sea Grant College Program. Since 1971, NYSG has been “bringing science to the shore” through a network of integrated research, education, and extension services promoting environmental sustainability, coastal community economic vitality, and citizen awareness of New York’s freshwater and marine resources. Learn more at www.nyseagrant.org.
WHAT: Working with Nature for Shorelines Workshop and Tour
WHERE: Lyme Free Library, 12165 State Route 12 E, Chaumont, New York
WHEN: Friday, October 21, 2022; 1-4 p.m.
COST: Free
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 14, 2022
HOW to REGISTER: Online at https://bit.ly/3QyhWyW or call 315-312-3042 for assistance

Elm Zigzag Sawfly is Here, Now What?
2022-10-24 13:00 - 14:00
The elm zigzag sawfly has recently been discovered for the first time in New York State in St. Lawrence County. Three dead specimens were confirmed at Wildland in Brasher Falls in St. Lawrence County. Feeding patterns, characteristic of the elm zigzag sawfly, have also been reported at three locations in St. Lawrence County, the Brasher State Forest, Wilson Hill WMA, and the St. Lawrence State Park.
This webinar will provide an overview of the elm zigzag sawfly, survey efforts that have occurred, and next steps including an early detection effort in which partners and community members can join.
When: Monday, October 24th, 1 pm-2 pm EST
Via Zoom: Register to get the link
Presenters:
Thom Allgaier- Invasive Species Coordinator with NYS AGM
Jessica Cancelliere- Forest Health Specialist with NYS DEC
Megan Pistolese-Shaw- SLELO PRISM

Spotted Lanternfly and the Potential Impacts on the Maple Syrup Industry
2022-11-16 10:00 - 11:00
Hosted by the Penn State Extension, Educator Brian Walsh, will discuss what is known about the spotted lanternfly and observations about maple trees that provide insight as to the impact the insect could have on the industry.
Ever since the spotted lanternfly was found in Southeast Pennsylvania, it has been causing damage to agricultural plants as well as non-agricultural plants. As the insect continues to expand its range, more is being learned about the insect’s lifecycle and its feeding habitats. Since the spotted lanternfly can feed very heavily upon certain tree species, the insect can potentially impact the maple syrup industry.
This event is being offered at no charge to participants. Registration is required to receive the link to access the webinar. Registrants will also receive access to the webinar recording.
Wednesday, November 16th, 2022
10 AM- 11 AM ET
REGISTER
Who is this for?

Maple Syrup Producers
Maple Researchers

What will you learn?

Life Cycle of the Spotted Lanternfly
Impacts on Maple and Other Tree Species
Potential Impacts on the Maple Industry

Winter Environmental Conference
2023-01-28 10:00 - 16:00 | 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, 200 Riverside Drive • Clayton, NY 13624
Join our partners with Save the River for their annual Winter Environmental Conference to be held on Saturday, January 28th, 2023 at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel in Clayton, NY from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Save The River’s Winter Environmental Conference is a regionally significant and well-attended event held every winter for over a quarter of a century. Every year year-round and seasonal residents, elected officials, community members, and local leaders come to Clayton to hear from national and regional policymakers, scientists, leaders, and students about topics of critical importance to the health of the St. Lawrence River.
Details and Registration

Native Alternatives for Common Invasive Garden Plants
2023-02-08 11:30 - 12:30
Winter is a good time to start planning for your garden. Selecting what plants you will grow can be exciting but you could be playing a role in the introduction of invasive plants. Many invasive plants were once considered desirable ornamentals that were intentionally introduced to gardens and landscapes only to escape into our natural environments. You can play a vital role in the introduction and prevention of invasive plants by choosing to grow native species and taking action to control invasives you may find on your property.
On Wednesday, February 8th from 11:30 AM- 12:30 PM EST community members can join an informative webinar hosted by the Genesee Land Trust featuring The Nature Conservancy’s SLELO PRISM-an invasive species management program. The webinar will discuss native alternatives to common invasive garden plants, the benefits of native plants, general control methods, and a Pledge to Protect you can take to protect your garden and favorite outdoor spaces from invasive species.
REGISTER
Presented by: Megan Pistolese-Shaw-SLELO PRISM Education, Outreach and Communications Coordinator
Megan Pistolese-Shaw holds a Bachelor of Science Degree focused on Ecology, Environmental Education, and Sustainability from Empire State College. She is experienced with aquatic and terrestrial invasive species identification, impacts, modes of introduction, prevention and management methods. She is the Education/Outreach and Communications Coordinator with the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management. Through this role, she leads invasive species outreach initiatives, communications and programming throughout the five counties of Oneida, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

Eastern Lake Ontario Swallow Wort Collaboative Webinar
2023-02-13 13:00 - 14:00
Hosted by SLELO PRISM’s Eastern Lake Ontario Swallow Wort Collaborative (ELOSC) please join us on Monday, February 13th from 1 pm-2 pm for an informative webinar
This webinar will share SLELO PRISM’s hypena opulenta release and survey history, along with plans to enhance H. opulenta overwintering surveying efforts through partner and volunteer engagement; Thousand Island Land Trust will also be sharing the history and management practices of swallow-wort control conducted on Carleton Island.
Presenters:
Robert Smith-SLELO PRISM Terrestrial Restoration and Resiliency Coordinator
Robert Smith holds a Master of Science from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and brings with him extensive experience in terrestrial invasive species identification and management including ecosystem restoration and dendrology. Robert serves as the SLELO PRISM Terrestrial Restoration and Resiliency Coordinator.
Jake Tibbles- TILT Executive Director
Jake Tibbles has worked for over 15 years to conserve and manage some of the most treasured landscapes in the Thousand Islands & St. Lawrence River Valley region. Appointed Executive Director of the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) in 2012, he’s overseen TILT’s Renewal of Accreditation by the Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Commission, and TILT’s growth in conserved lands, educational programming, and staffing. Jake also sits on the New York Land Trust Alliance Advisory Board and recently served on the Board of American Friends of Canadian Land Trusts.
Spencer Busler-TILT Assistant Director/ Director of Land Conservation
Spencer joined TILT in 2016 as Director of Land Conservation. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Management from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry as well as a master’s degree in Water and Wetland Resource Studies from the same institution.
REGISTER

Hemlock Conservation & Management- In the Path of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
2023-03-08 13:00 - 14:00
Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is an invasive insect that is killing hemlock trees and threatening the health of our forests. Although only the size of a sesame seed, HWA will have a big impact on our forests. The good news is that there are conservation and management strategies you can implement to protect hemlock trees. This webinar will discuss short-term and long-term HWA control options, hemlock conservation strategies, and approaches to secure funding for hemlock conservation that have worked in other parts of the state at a watershed scale. We will also cover regional and state-wide volunteer opportunities to help slow the spread of this threat to our forests.
March 8th, 2023
1 PM – 2 PM EST
Via Zoom
REGISTER
Presented By:
Caroline Marschner
Invasive Species Extension Associate
Caroline’s background is in general ecology, with experience in forest, prairie, riparian, and lacustrine ecosystems. She received her bachelor’s degree in environmental biology from Colorado College in 1998, and her master’s degree in environmental science from Miami University in 2003. Caroline has been with NYSHI since 2015, where she coordinates NYSHI’s outreach efforts, works with partners to facilitate conservation planning, and assists with program management.
Megan Pistolese- Shaw
Education, Outreach, and Communications Coordinator
SLELO PRISM
Megan Pistolese-Shaw holds a Bachelor of Science Degree focused on Ecology, Environmental Education, and Sustainability from Empire State College. She is experienced with aquatic and terrestrial invasive species identification, impacts, modes of introduction, prevention and management methods. She is the Education, Outreach, and Communications Coordinator with the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM). Through this role, she leads invasive species outreach initiatives and programming throughout the five counties of Oneida, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence.

Water Chestnut Organizers iMapInvasives Training
2023-04-04 13:00 - 15:00
Calling all water chestnut removal organizers! There is a state-wide effort to manage water chestnut and to capture efforts in iMapInvasives. This information is of interest to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and is being compiled by iMapInvasives into an interpretive dashboard intended to showcase efforts over time.
iMapInvaives is hosting a training on April 4th from 1 pm-3 pm intended to get all the water chestnut organizers across the state trained on how to report their removal efforts to iMap and to collaborate with their local PRISM to enhance regional water chestnut removal efforts. The entire training will be 2 hours and will include time to attend a breakout session led by PRISM AIS coordinators to discuss any needs for getting data into iMap.
Who should attend? PRISM partners and volunteers who organize water chestnut hand-pulls in New York State.
REGISTER
Agenda: may be subject to slight changes.

1:00-1:10 – Overview of water chestnut distribution and efforts across the state – Mitchell O’Neill
1:10-1:30 – The importance of tracking water chestnut treatments over time – Steve Pearson, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
1:30-2:00 – How to document Water Chestnut removals in iMapInvasives – Mitchell O’Neill, New York Natural Heritage Program – iMapInvasives
2:00-3:00 – PRISM Region Breakout Sessions

NYISAW Native Alternatives to Common Invasive Garden Plants Webinar
2023-06-06 13:00 - 14:00
Spring is here and it’s time to start thinking about gardening! Selecting what plants you will grow can be exciting but you could be playing a role in the introduction of invasive plants. Many invasive plants were once considered desirable ornamentals that were intentionally introduced to gardens and landscapes only to escape into our natural environments. You can play a vital role in the introduction and prevention of invasive plants by choosing to grow native species and taking action to control invasives you may find on your property. This webinar will discuss native alternatives to common invasive garden plants, the benefits of native plants, general control methods, and a Pledge to Protect you can take to protect your garden and favorite outdoor spaces from invasive species.
This event is in observance of New York’s annual Invasive Species Awareness Week NYISAW a state-wide invasive species outreach campaign.
When: Tuesday, June 6th, 1 pm- 2 pm via Zoom REGISTER
Presented by: Megan Pistolese-Shaw, SLELO PRISM Education and Outreach Coordinator, and Melanie Cutillo- Owner and operator of Lazy Dirt Flower Farm.
