April is Earth Month, a natural time to reconnect with the places around us. Whether that’s a walk close to home, time in the garden, or a day on the trail, Earth Month is a reminder that those everyday moments outdoors are connected to something bigger, and that protecting the lands and waters we enjoy can start with simple actions—like learning what’s growing nearby, joining a volunteer effort, or planting with pollinators in mind.

Fill out the form to complete the challenge

Protector's Challenge

Win a prize by doing one or more of these options and filling out the form:

  • Option 1: Visit the SLELO PRISM Facebook and Instagram pages and reshare any #EarthMonthAction post on your own channels.
  • Option 2: Join any of the volunteer opportunities or events highlighted in the Get Involved section below.

Please note: Only those who have taken the Pledge to Protect are eligible. Challenge is open until April 30, 2026.

Get Involved!

SLELO PRISM and our partners welcome volunteers to assist with invasive species removals, plantings, clean-ups and more throughout the Eastern Lake Ontario region. These events are a great way to explore new places, meet like-minded people, and leave a positive impact on the land and water we all enjoy.

Volunteer Opportunities
Earth Month Events

Want to get involved beyond the SLELO region? Check out opportunities through New York’s Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) network—there’s something for everyone statewide.

Learn More

Plant With Purpose

Try your hand at climate-smart gardening! Choose native plants that are adapted to your local climate and support local wildlife. Not only are they beautiful and low-maintenance—they also help keep invasive species at bay.

Learn more about climate-smart native plants in the Northeast from the Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (RISCC) Network.

Learn More

Aid Community Science

Love snapping photos while you’re out in nature? Turn those observations into data that helps scientists and land managers track invasive species across New York State. All you need is the NYiMapInvasives app—perfect for hikers, paddlers, and backyard explorers alike.

Report to NYiMapInvasives

Learn

Curious about which invasive species are in your favorite park, trail, or lake? Explore interactive storymaps to learn more about the threats facing New York’s diverse habitats—and how you can help stop the spread.

NYS DEC's One's To Watch Storymap
PRISM Networks's Invasives In Your Area Storymap

In Case You Missed It: Blog Archive

Check out our library of blogs featuring simple actions you can take to protect your favorite hiking trails, paddle-ways, forests, gardens and communities. 

Learn More

Virtual Toolboxes

Visit the Protector’s Virtual Toolboxes below to access resources themed for each category, and to learn more about how to protect your favorite outdoor spaces from invasive species. 

Lands & Trails

Lands & Trails

Protect your private or publicly accessible lands and favorite hiking trails
Open Toolbox

Forests

Forests

Protect your private or publicly accessible forested areas
Open Toolbox

Waters

Waters

Protect your favorite paddle-ways, boating and fishing destinations
Open Toolbox

Gardens

Gardens

Protect your backyard or community gardens
Open Toolbox

Communities

Communities

Protect your favorite parks or urban green spaces, and street trees
Open Toolbox

Take the Pledge to Protect

Did you enjoy this blog post? Take our Pledge to Protect and get monthly emails showcasing actions you can take to protect your favorite hiking trails, paddleways, forests, garden, and community from the impacts of invasive species! 

The Pledge-to-Protect is a fun, positive, inviting, engaging and rewarding way to participate in invasive species prevention and management.

Here’s How It Works:
 
  1. Fill out the pledge form below.
  2. Check your inbox for your confirmation email.
  3. Explore the resources shared in the welcome email. 
  4. Every month, you’ll receive a special Protector’s email highlighting easy ways to help you fulfill your pledge. 
  5. Earn prizes by participating in Protector Challenges highlighted in select Protector’s email blogs. 
View Protector's Blog Archive
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Chose the pledge category that you spend the most time in or that you're most interested in learning of applicable prevention and management actions you can take while enjoying these environments.
Please select the actions that you're willing to commit to.
Taking these actions helps to protect your favorite outdoor places from the impacts of invasive species.