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SLELO PRISM

ST. LAWRENCE EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO PARTNERSHIP FOR REGIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT

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Roots of Renewal: Biodiversity and Habitat Enhancement (BHE) Project

The Roots of Renewal: Biodiversity and Habitat Enhancement (BHE) Project is a special initiative hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County with support from the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM). 

  • Goal: To create ecologically functioning habitats that support pollinators and enhance biodiversity in urban landscapes the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario region.​
  • Action Plan: The initiative selected five sites to create demonstration gardens, focusing on plants that have co-evolved with local wildlife and are adapted to shifting hardiness zones. Gardens were installed in May of 2026 with the help of volunteers.​
  • This project supports regional efforts to restore habitats, increase climate adaptability, and protect native ecosystems from encroaching invasive species. 

4000 plants across five restoration sites were planted thorugh the help of volunteers. These spaces are not only going to be beautiful, but they will also play an important role in restoring ecological balance. With over 42 different plant species at each site, these plantings will enhance native biodiversity and provide vital habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

Site locations include: 

Zoo NY Watertown – 1 Thompson Park, Watertown, NY 13601

JCC Watertown – 1220 Coffeen St, Watertown, NY 13601 (Parking Lot C next to the soccer fields).

Frederic Remington Art Museum – 303 Washington St, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 

Ives Park – 3 Riverview Dr, Potsdam, NY 13676

Downtown Canton – 64 Main St, Canton, NY 13617

Photos were taken by SLELO PRISM staff at each planting site. View all photos. 

Resources

Invasive Species 101 Empowering Gardeners: 

5/28, 6:30 PM- 8 PM: 

Presented by, Megan Pistolese-Shaw, SLELO PRISM. Learn to identify and manage common yard invasives, discover beneficial native alternatives, and master control techniques. This session includes practical training on using community science tools iMapInvasives, iNaturalist, and Seek to track and report species; participants are encouraged to create user accounts and download the mobile apps for each of these tools. 

Register to Attend

Cultivating Biodiversity & Habitat

Held on April 30th, 2026, from 6:30 PM- 8 PM:Gain an overview of the BHE Project and learn about native plants you can use to support wildlife on your own property. 

Presented by, Cierra Williams, CCE Jefferson. 

Webinar Recording
Slides

View helpful resources to help you protect your garden from invasive species and enhance native biodiversity and habitat in your yard. 

Garden Protector's Toolbox