ST. LAWRENCE EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO PARTNERSHIP FOR REGIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
In our increasingly urbanized world, natural and undeveloped landscapes are limited—and the plants found in yards and green spaces are often not native.
Invasive species disrupt the delicate relationships between native plants, birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. These relationships evolved over time; for instance, monarch butterfly larvae rely on native common milkweed. Invasive plants like black and pale swallow-wort outcompete milkweed, and when monarchs mistakenly lay eggs on these lookalikes, their larvae cannot survive.
To protect biodiversity, it’s essential to prevent further spread of invasive plants in our gardens.
Agreeing to take these actions awards you this Garden Protectors Badge.
Download this image and share it on social media to show how you’re a Garden Protector! To download, right-click the image and select “save as” to save it to your device. Then upload it on social media – tag @sleloprisminvasives or use hashtag #iPledgeToProtect.
The resources below provide general management techniques that gardeners can use to control invasive species on their property.
Report invasives found in gardens and assist early detection efforts.
Early detection is key. Searching for invasive species before their populations grow too large to manage is vital to protecting our natural ecosystems.
Learn more about the species we’re prioritizing for early detection and how you can join our Volunteer Surveillance Network to support this effort—training is provided.
NYiMapInvasives is an online, collaborative, GIS-based database and mapping tool that serves as the official invasive species database for New York State.
Click the links below to become familiar with iMap
Join a statewide early detection effort for spotted lanternfly and tree of heaven by adopting a grid square to survey for these species through iMapInvasives.
Watch webinars, view brochures, and other resources to help you protect your garden from invasive species and support pollinators.
View this list of flowers, grasses, shrubs, trees, and vines native to New York State. developed by the NYS DEC.
Discover native plants, ranked by the number of butterfly and moth species that use them as host plants for their caterpillars.
Learn of native-friendly ornamental plants that are similar both in appearance and in cultural requirements to the invasive plants they can replace.
View distribution data, habitat, identification, and taxonomy for plants native to New York.
Homegrown National Park® is a grassroots call-to-action to regenerate biodiversity and ecosystem function by planting native plants and creating new ecological networks. There are also resources for native plants and a hub for Douglas Tallamy articles.
The Invasive Plant Management Decision Analysis Tool (IPMDAT) helps natural resource managers to determine if an invasive plant control project is likely to be successful and if it warrants an investment of their agency’s or organizations resources.
Find eco-regionally sourced native flowers, shrubs, and other plants.
Get involved with a national environmentally-conscience gardening group.
The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is an international nonprofit organization that protects the natural world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats.
An easy-to-use mobile app that helps you identify native and invasive plants and animals.
An easy-to-use mobile app that helps you identify native and invasive plants and animals.
A science-based platform where you can share observations of plants and animals with a community of naturalists.
An overview of recommended aquatic plants and fish for water gardening in New York State.
A regional photographic guide to a broad selection of invasive plants that are often confused with similar native look-alikes.
A homeowner’s quick guide to recognizing and preventing the spread of invasive jumping worms.
This brochure includes a list of native alternatives to common invasive ornamental plants.
This brochure features plants to avoid growing from the New England Wildflower Society.
Dr. Douglas Tallamy, the author of Bringing Nature Home and Nature’s Best Hope, explains the vital specialized relationships that exist between plants and pollinators and the importance of growing native plants in your yard.
Watch a playlist of webinars that discuss the impacts of invasive plants and the benefits of growing native plants in your garden.
