Whether you love hiking, camping, or simply enjoying your own land, spending time outdoors has a way of making you feel truly alive—a feeling worth protecting.
However, invasive species threaten the health of the lands and trails you cherish. The activities you enjoy outdoors might unintentionally spread these harmful species to your favorite places.
You can protect your favorite hiking trails and lands by following the steps below.
Agreeing to take these actions awards you this Lands & Trails Protectors Badge.
Download this image and share it on social media to show how you’re a Lands & Trails 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.
Learn to recognize invasive species you may encounter on lands and trails.
The resources below provide general management techniques that can be used to control invasive species on your property.
Report invasives found on lands and trails and assist early detection efforts.
Searching for invasive species populations in an effort to detect their presence before their populations become too large to manage is vital to reducing the impacts of invasive species on our natural ecosystems.
Learn more about the species we’re enhancing early detection efforts for and to join our invasive species Volunteer Surveillance Network to aid this effort (training will be provided).
NYiMapInvasives is an online, collaborative, GIS-based database and mapping tool that serves as the official invasive species database for New York State.
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 lands and trails from invasive species.
Protect the trees you love from tree-killing bugs. Learn about firewood regulations and where to get local firewood.
Travel and static boot brushes, signage, and much more to help you keep your gear clean on the go.
An easy-to-use mobile app that helps you identify native and invasive plants and animals.
A community science-based platform where you can share observations of plants and animals with a community of naturalists and discuss your findings.
Download this beautiful poster and brochure developed by our partners at the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP PRISM).
View a checklist of places to search for spotted lanternfly and egg masses on your vehicle and other gear.
Learn about invasive terrestrial plants and native look-alikes.
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.
Our partners at the Lower Hudson PRISM have made excellent identification videos on YouTube.
Check out this playlist with a variety of invasive terrestrial plants you may encounter.