Our volunteers are the frontline defense for our native ecosystems. We are deeply grateful for their passion and tireless efforts. Whether you are an existing volunteer or looking for a new way to make a tangible impact, we invite you to join our upcoming learning and volunteer opportunities.

Get Involved: Explore upcoming volunteer opportunities. Shape

Our Celebration: Take our brief survey to help design a special appreciation event for our volunteers.

Together, we can protect our region’s natural resources.

Meet a new volunteer whose journey reminds us why community science matters.

We’re launching two exciting new initiatives and want to collaborate with you! Join us in elevating regional conservation, inspiring local communities, and making a lasting impact together.

Yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata) is an invasive aquatic plant from Eurasia that poses a severe threat to North American freshwater ecosystems. While popular in water gardens for its yellow flowers and heart-shaped leaves, it forms dense mats that destroy native habitats, lower oxygen levels, and clog waterways.

Yellow legged hornet (Vespa velutina) is a new invasive species in the United States that poses a real threat to honeybee populations. Although populations haven’t been detected in the SLELO region, the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets is amping up survey efforts.

The invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is encroaching on the SLELO region, threatening local agriculture and biodiversity. Learn from NYS IPM experts about their preferred plant foods, how native and biocontrol predators may aid in control, and the potential of milkweed as a surprising biological management tool.

iMapInvasives shares tips to ensure the invasive species data you submit to iNaturalist can still be utilized by professionals in the iMap network.

Dedicated to changing our relationship with the environment, Talking Rivers advocates for the legal recognition of nature’s rights. The non-profit has launched three key projects that merge community science, legal action, and storytelling to safeguard essential local watersheds.

Learn about an exciting new restoration project underway aimed to foster lasting ecological benefits and a stronger culture of conservation throughout the SLELO region.

A recent paper led by the New York State Hemlock Initiative, featured in the Journal of Insect Science, documents an important step forward in the biological control of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). The study presents refined methods for collecting and rearing three specialist predators that occur naturally in the adelgid’s native western range. Together, these insects feed on HWA across multiple life stages and offers the potential for sustained population suppression.

Get the latest terrestrial updates regarding HWA, field surveys, management and restoration efforts.

On the horizon for the 2026 field season are early detection surveys, learning opportunities, removals and an exciting aquatic plant restoration pilot project.

Spring has brought a renewed sense of energy and optimism that SLELO PRISM is brining into our work. We have an exciting year ahead and look forward to collaborating with our partners!

Learn how climate-smart gardening can help stop invasive species, protect native plants, and build a resilient landscape in the SLELO region.

Imagine dipping your paddle into a quiet cove, the morning sun glinting off the water as you learn how to spot the floating leaves of invasive water chestnut. Or picture […]