Understanding why invasive pests behave differently across regions requires looking beyond their invaded range and examining their ecology at home. Recent research on hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) in its native western North American range reveals how predator-prey dynamics shape potential biocontrol strategies. By studying multi-trophic interactions, researchers can better predict how multiple predators may perform when introduced in the East. These insights strengthen biological control programs and offer valuable lessons for managing other invasive forest pests.

The 2025 field season revealed 14 Tiered invasive species across 113 surveyed sites, with common buckthorn and honeysuckle topping the list. As we enter 2026, hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) survey efforts have expanded to 14 locations, including a new site at Pixley Falls State Park. Recent trainings and collaborative surveys continue to build local capacity for early detection. This spring, HWA mortality surveys will help assess winter impacts and guide management strategies moving forward.

SLELO’s aquatic restoration work continues to grow through hands-on education, regional collaboration, and targeted invasive species management. In 2025, our AISLE training series helped 17 new Water Protectors adopt 12 waterbodies for monitoring and reporting. We are also expanding aquatic invasive species control efforts, including water chestnut removals and new planning for Fanwort management. Looking ahead to 2026, we aim to pilot aquatic plant restoration in partnership with SUNY Oswego to support healthy, resilient waterways.

As we move through the winter season, it’s a meaningful time to reflect on the progress we made together in 2025 and to look ahead with renewed purpose. This past year, our collective efforts strengthened ecological resilience across the SLELO region, ranging from expanded early detection networks to impactful restoration at our Priority Conservation Areas. These accomplishments highlight the dedication of our staff, partners, and volunteers and demonstrate the power of collaboration. As we embark on 2026, we do so with momentum, clarity, and a shared commitment to protecting the lands and waters we cherish.

SLELO PRISM made significant strides in strengthening the ecological resilience of the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario region. Through collaborative efforts in prevention, monitoring, management, restoration, and community engagement, we advanced our mission to protect native ecosystems and stay ahead of emerging environmental threats.
We invite you to explore these achievements in detail in our 2025 Annual Report. As we move into 2026, continued partnership, community involvement, and science driven action will be essential to sustaining a healthy, resilient, and connected region for generations to come.

New York’s PRISM Network uses a Tiered List approach to guide invasive species management based on abundance, spread, and feasibility of action. SLELO refines this statewide framework into a focused regional priority list that helps partners act strategically. Species span the full invasion curve—from prevention targets like Hydrilla to management-driven species like knotweeds and HWA. This data-driven approach ensures that limited resources achieve the greatest ecological benefit.

Blanding’s turtles, one of New York’s rarest threatened species, depend on healthy wetlands and surrounding upland habitats. Invasive plants like Phragmites, honeysuckle, and buckthorn have degraded these ecosystems, limiting food, movement, and nesting opportunities. With SLELO support, 53 acres in St. Lawrence County underwent targeted management in 2025 to restore the natural structure of these wetland habitats. Continued monitoring and native plantings in 2026 will help improve conditions for long-term turtle recovery.

Significant restoration work is underway at the David S. Smith Public Conservation Area to improve habitat for endangered Indiana and northern long-eared bats. With support from SLELO PRISM, Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust was able to remove 17 acres of invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle, opening the door for native trees and shrubs to return. Additional treatment and regeneration work will continue through 2026, with a second major planting phase expected in 2027. These efforts will expand forest habitat, strengthen climate resilience, and create new access for community engagement.

Learn about a special project led by Thousand Islands Land Trust that is advancing early detection and rapid response along nearly 20 miles of heavily used trail systems. Supported by SLELO PRISM, this project included detailed surveys to help identify invasive plant threats, prioritize management actions, and build a strong foundation for targeted treatment. Plans are underway to implement restoration-focused management and continue monitoring to protect high-quality natural areas for years to come.

Throughout 2025, SLELO PRISM advanced its mission to protect the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario region by strengthening prevention, monitoring, management, restoration, and community engagement efforts. Learn about these accomplishments in the 2025 SLELO PRISM Annual Report.

Take a date with nature this February! Spending time outdoors encourages stewardship and offers many fun opportunities to engage with your community and spend time with loved ones!

Winter forests hold a quiet magic, and at the heart of that beauty stands the eastern hemlock—an essential tree now facing a growing threat. This blog explores why hemlocks matter, what’s at risk if we lose them, and how you can take action this winter to help protect these irreplaceable trees.

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.

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.

View funding and job opportunities that apply to our region.