Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is a species that is expected to expand and establish within Northeastern states with climate change. Join us for a presentation and conversation with Dr. Luke Flory, University of Florida, and Angela Sirois-Pitel, The Nature Conservancy, on how we can learn from the experiences of our southern neighbors to prepare for and prevent Microstegium in the Northeast. The discussion will be moderated by Toni Lyn Morelli (NE Climate Adaptation Science Center).
No registration is required. To attend the meeting visit: https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/595447864

Join Dr. Phil Lewis, USDA APHIS, for his lecture on bio-control and practical chemical-based strategies for emerald ash borer management.
No registration is necessary. Visit here on May 2 to view the webinar.

Penn Dixie would not exist without our volunteers! To keep growing, we’re always on the lookout for help with programming, school visits, community engagement, site maintenance, and administration. No experience necessary. We will provide all the training needed! Learn about Penn Dixie from our staff and experienced volunteers and receive the tools that you will need to make a difference. Refreshments included. In the auditorium of the Gateway Executive Office Building. Contact Dr. Holly Schreiber at [email protected] to register.

Want to attract wildlife in your garden or back yard? Join Geri Hens, Master Beekeeper, to learn about the best native plants that attract and benefit wildlife.

Attend the Genesee River Basin Summit to gain a comprehensive update on the multitude of activities associated with initiatives that result in solutions to improve water quality in the Genesee and connect people to the river. This event will include presentations from regional experts and subsequent discussion with participants. The Summit will be broken down into four parts. 

1. Reporting & Planning- Experts will review their work to develop and implement plans to improve the quality of the water in the river and create opportunities to enjoy its beauty.
2. Access & Recreation- this series of presentations will provide an overview of projects in the basin to improve recreational access to and opportunities on the river.
3. Restoration- Presentations by various basin stakeholders will review their efforts to restore the river and its surroundings.
4. Outreach and Education- This series of presentations will look at initiatives undertaken to inform citizens and stakeholders about the issues facing the Basin.

A complete agenda will be published soon. There is no fee to attend and will include a continental breakfast. For more information and to register visit here. 

The Great Lakes Conference is the largest annual gathering of Great Lakes advocates and supporters. The two-day forum offers opportunities to network with leaders at the center of Great Lakes restoration efforts, learn about the latest Great Lakes issues, hear from diverse voices from around the lakes, and develop strategies to advance federal, regional, and local restoration goals. We hope you will join us for exciting field trips, informative sessions, and fun networking events in Detroit.

You can find more information about the conference schedule and how to register here.

If you have any questions, please contact our conference planner, Adrienne Nutter, at [email protected] We look forward to seeing you in Detroit in May 2019!

Join the NYS DEC for a tree care workshop for professionals, municipal staff and community tree enthusiasts to discuss tree health. The workshop is geared toward professionals, but is open to all.
This full-day workshop will feature learning sessions focused on tree decline and will include discussions of spotted lanternfly and oak wilt, as well as a DEC pesticide regulatory update. ISA, NYSDEC and CNLP credits have already been approved for this course. Speakers include Jerry Carlson, Research Scientist, NYSDEC; Rob Cole, Forester, NYSDEC; and Mike Nierenberg, Pesticide Control Specialist, NYSDEC. 
Registration is due to the DEC Albany office by April 30.

This event strives to raise public awareness, to educate, and to promote dialogue about pollinators and their importance to agriculture, ecosystem health, and food supplies, as well as promote conservation, protection, and restoration of pollinator habitats. Seminar speakers include Andrea Locke, WNY PRISM; David O'Donnell, Eastern Monarch Butterfly Farm; and CarolAnn Harlos, Master Gardeners of Erie and Niagara Counties. 
More information on workshops, information sessions and lunch is available on the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village Website. 

A free workshop series for new and old gardens, to keep your mind and body warm for the growing season ahead! To register or for any questions please email
[email protected] or call 716-362-8982

Topics include logging in, exploring the map, entering presence and not detected data, and changes to the mobile app. Please register in advance here.

Participants will join this webinar to gain a more in-depth knowledge of the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the soil ecosystem, and what management practices will result in healthier soil and ecosystems leading to a well-functioning microbial community in the soil. A discussion of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) including what they are and what they are not. What services are provided by AMF and how that varies depending on plant hosts, environmental conditions, and how it changes with diversity. Discussion will also include what effect various management practices have on AMF, and the relationship of AMF in conjunction with the soil health principles. Will also discuss methods currently used to measure AMF, limitations on those methods, and what the results mean.Presenters include Dr. Heiki Bücking, South Dakota State University and Dr. R. Michael Lehman, USDA Agricultural Research Service.
For more information and how to watch, visit here.

Join us for a special meeting of the Erie County Water Quality Committee. Patrick Marren, Forester at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation will talk about the impact that trees have on water quality.

Topics include data types, using the multi-record tool, finding data on the map and species lists. Please make sure you can login and enter a presence record beforehand. Please register in advance here.

The body of scientific literature surrounding invasive species and their impacts and management has increased substantially in recent decades. However, despite expanding knowledge and technological advances in the research sphere, a disconnect persists between research and management that can hinder the understanding and application of new solutions to on-the-ground invasive species challenges. Through interactions with researchers and managers working with invasive species, New York Invasive Species Research Institute (NYISRI) has identified strategic areas and developed initiatives to promote communication and research that addresses research-management gaps. This presentation will examine ways to promote the co-creation of knowledge to improve the scientific basis of invasive species management and policy development as well as will provide an overview of some of NYISRI’s initiatives and the work of the New York State Invasive Species Network. Click here to Register.

Topics include user roles, organizational admins, projects and confirming/editing records. Please register in advance here.

Work with nature and discover the benefits
of sustainable landscape techniques using local hardy native species. This presentation provides ecologically
sound solutions for homeowners that include an introduction to our regional Western New York State flora. Presented by Ken Parker of PUSH Buffalo

Please join us for a presentation by Dr. Bernd Blossey of Cornell University who will provide a status update on the biocontrol program. Both in Canada and in the US, review boards approved releases by two stem mining moths. While this does not constitute final release approval, these decisions are major steps forward. Bernd will provide updates and detail the next steps in research, monitoring and for full regulatory approval. No registration is needed. To join the webinar visit: https://cornell.zoom.us/j/909488333

The public portion of the meeting will begin with lunch and end with a reception in the early evening. More information, including an agenda and registration link, will be posted soon at www.glc.org/meetings/semi.

“The Power of Native Plants” will be presented by the Pfeiffer Nature Center. Have you ever felt powerless to make positive ecological change? Have you ever thought about how powerful our native plants can be? Anyone with a yard or even a small outdoor space can make a huge impact by planting native species. Learn about the pitfalls of lawns, the benefits of native plants, and how to help wildlife in any yard (even in cities). Even small changes in how we garden and maintain our yards can have huge impacts. With easy to understand tips on how anyone can be a steward of their yard, large or small, you can spring into action this season and make a difference!” 

The talk is free for members, $5 for non-members and free for children 13 and under. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Register by 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 21. Register here or contact the office at 716-933-0187.