Invasive Species Awareness Week has begun! Help us spread the word (and not the species) by joining folks across western New York and New York State in invasive species awareness and management activities!
New York Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW) is a statewide campaign held the week of July 8-14 which aims to promote the knowledge and understanding of invasive species and the harm they can cause by engaging citizens in a wide range of activities across the state and empowering them to take action. Our theme this year is, “What YOU can do to stop the spread,” and events such as interpretative hikes, Ask-an-Expert displays, and volunteer plant pulls and native plantings explore this theme throughout the week.
WNY PRISM 5th Annual ISAW Event Line-up – updated 7/8/2018
For more information and details on any of these events, visit the WNY PRISM Events Calendar. All ISAW events in western New York are listed below. For more information on the events happening across the state visit stoptheinvasionny.com.
Events:
1.) Invasive Species Mapping Challenge
Date: Thursday, July 5- Thursday, July 19
During the two weeks between Thursday, July 5 and Thursday, July 19, you can report the presence or absence of the jumping worm and water chestnut into the iMapInvasives database to compete for prizes and bragging rights! For more information on this challenge, how to identify these two invaders, and training on how to use the iMapInvasives Mobile app listen to this webinar. WNY PRISM won the Water Chestnut Trophy last year, and we’d love to bring it back in 2018!
2.) Meet a Boat Steward
Date/Time: Sunday, July 8, 8:00AM-6:30PM
Location: West Canal Marina, 4070 Tonawanda Creek Rd, North Tonawanda, NY 14120
Come out to the West Canal Marina and meet with one of WNY PRISM’s Boat Stewards! They have expert knowledge of aquatic invasive species and can teach you what YOU can do to stop the spread of invasive species.
3.) Meet a Boat Steward
Date/Time: Sunday, July 8, 8:00AM-6:30PM
Location: Cuba Lake Marina, 9845 Co Rd 7, Cuba, NY 14727
Come out to the Cuba Lake Marina and meet with one of WNY PRISM’s Boat Stewards! They have expert knowledge of aquatic invasive species and can teach you what YOU can do to stop the spread of invasive species.
4.) Identify That Invasive!
Date/Time: Sunday, July 8, 10:00AM-11:30PM
Location: De Veaux State Park, 3180 De Veaux Woods Dr E, Niagara Falls, NY 14305
Join us at De Veaux Woods State Park to learn to ID common Invasive Species and the impact on your community. We’ll discuss current projects and what YOU can do to help stop their spread!! For information and registration call (716) 282-5154 or visit here.
5.) WNY PRISM at the Alfred Farmer’s Market
Date/Time: Sunday, July 8, 11:00AM-3:00PM
Location: Alfred Farmer’s Market, Saxon Dr & S Main St, Alfred, NY 14802
Join WNY PRISM at the Alfred Farmer’s Market for their opening weekend and Market Sprouts event. Learn about invasive species, how they impact you, and what YOU can do to stop the spread.
6.) Hunter’s Creek iMapInvasives Training **This Event Has Been Cancelled**
Date/Time: Monday, July 9, 9:00AM-11:00AM
Location: Hunter’s Creek County Park, East Aurora, NY 14052
Join WNY PRISM at Hunter’s Creek for an iMapInvasives Training. During this event, you will learn how to use the iMapInvasives mobile app as well as an introduction into invasive species identification.
7.) Invasive Species Informational Table
Date/Time: Monday, July 9, 10:00AM-4:00PM
Location: Letchworth State Park- Humphrey Nature Center, Castile, NY 14427
Join us at the Humphrey Nature Center to learn about invasive species, how they impact you, and what YOU can do to stop the spread.
8.) Vernal Pools Restoration Tour
Date/Time: Monday, July 9, 1:00PM-2:30PM
Location: Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14203
Join us for a guided hike led by Zachary Goodrich, Preserve Steward of Tifft Nature Preserve, who will discuss the ongoing invasive species management at the preserve as well as current efforts to restore native flora to the area. This hike will provide you a sneak peek of the restoration area before its opening to the public this fall. Meet at the Tifft Nature Preserve Visitor Center.
Please register here.
Questions can be directed to Emily Thiel at wnyprism@buffalostate.edu
9.) Invasive Species Plant Pull
Date/Time: Monday, July 9, 5:00PM-7:00PM
Location: 1140 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14220
Please join Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper at an invasive species plant pull at the Buffalo River Restoration Site. All volunteers are welcome to join and celebrate Invasive Species Awareness Week!
Please contact Robbyn Drake at rdrake@bnwaterkeeper.org to sign up.
10.) Chautauqua Creek Oxbow Forest Preserve Workday
Date/Time: Tuesday, July 10, 10:00AM-12:00PM
Location: 8198 Lyons Rd, Sherman, NY 14781
Please join Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy and WNY PRISM for an educational tour and invasive species removal workday at our Chautauqua Creek Oxbow Preserve near Mayville, NY.
Prior to work, a short educational tour of the property will take place where participants will learn the background on why invasive species can be so harmful, how to identify them, and how to address and manage infestations.
DIRECTIONS: The Preserve is located a few miles down Lyons Rd at the southern tip of the Chautauqua Gorge State Forest, and is clearly visible from the roadside. Turn onto Lyons Road off Route 430 (see map) and follow until you reach the Preserve. Due to a defunct bridge, the Preserve is only accessible from the Route 430 side of Lyons Rd.
Please sign-up in advance so that we know how many people are coming and can let you know of any changes of plans.
Any questions can be directed to wnyprism@buffalostate.edu.
11.) Invasive Species Volunteer Survey and Data Entry
Date/Time: Tuesday, July 10, 4:00PM-6:00PM
Location: 1140 South Park Ave., Buffalo NY, 14220
For those with iMapInvasives database or Phragmites Adaptive Management Framework (PAMF) training, join Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper in surveying at Buffalo River sites. This event will take place at the toe of Katherine Street Peninsula. For training on how to use the iMap Invasives database visit their website.
Please contact Robbyn Drake at rdrake@bnwaterkeeper.org to sign up.
12.) Kayak Tour: Ellicott Creek Ecology
Date/Time: Tuesday, July 10, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Location: East Hill Foundation, 17 Island St, North Tonawanda, NY 14120
Join Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper during Invasive Species Awareness Week for a kayak tour. Learn about the organisms found in our regions creeks and about their relations to one another and to their physical surroundings.
Physical Intensity: Low to Moderate
Please register here or by contacting Liz Robbe at erobbe@bnwaterkeeper.org.
13.) Phragmites Strike Team
Date/Time: Tuesday, July 10, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Location: Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Dr, Depew, NY 14043
Help Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and their Phragmites Strike Team record and remove the invasive common reed from ecologically important wetland areas. Registration not required
14.) Invasive Species Plant Pull
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 11, 10:00AM-2:00PM
Location: 1140 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14220
Please join Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper at an invasive species plant pull at the Buffalo River Restoration Site. All volunteers are welcome to join and celebrate Invasive Species Awareness Week!
Please contact Robbyn Drake at rdrake@bnwaterkeeper.org to sign up.
15.) An Introduction to Chautauqua Lake’s Invasive Aquatic Plants
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 11, 6:00PM-7:00PM
Location: James Prendergast Library, 509 Cherry St, Jamestown, NY 14701
Join Roger Tory Peterson Institute’s Elyse Henshaw for an introduction to the invasive aquatic plants that exist within Chautauqua Lake, Chautauqua County, and the surrounding region, and what can be done to prevent their spread. This event is being hosted by the James Prendergast Library. Questions can be directed to Elyse Henshaw at ehenshaw@rtpi.org or by calling 716-665-2473 ext. 231.
16.) iMapInvasives App Training
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 11, 6:00PM-7:00PM
Location: De Veaux Woods State Park, 3180 De Veaux Woods Dr E, Niagara Falls, NY 14305
One of the first steps to understanding the impact or potential impact of invasive species is to know where it occurs. Awareness is out best tool for preventing the spread of invasive species.
Join us for a free iMapInvasives Mobile App Training during New York’s 5th annual Invasive Species Awareness Week.
Learn how to identify invasive species and how YOU can help stop the spread by sharing your observations through the iMapInvasives App.
Please register by June 27.
For registration or questions, please contact:
Jillian Harris or Kristin King OPRHP
Email: Kristin.King@parks.ny.gov
Phone: (716) 299-0813
17.) Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (RISCC) Management Symposium
Date/Time: Thursday, July 12, 9:00AM-5:00PM
Location: 300 Massachusetts Ave, Amherst, MA 01003
Join New York Invasive Species Research Institute/Cornell University, the Northeast Climate Science Center and University of Massachusetts Amherst for a one-day symposium to learn, share perspectives, and discuss climate change and invasive species management issues on a regional and global scale. Session topics include Assessing Invasive Species Impacts, Proactive vs. Reactive Regulations, and Case Studies and Management Responses.
Click here for more information and to register.
18.) Honeysuckle Harvest with Western New York Land Conservancy
Date/Time: Thursday, July 12, 9:00AM-12:00PM
Location: Kenneglenn Scenic and Nature Preserve, 11663 Old Strykersville Rd, East Aurora, NY 14052
In honor of Invasive Species Awareness Week, the Western New York Land Conservancy is partnering with the Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) to remove invasives from the Kenneglenn Nature Preserve in Wales.
Participants will be removing valerian and woody invasives like honeysuckle. Please bring gloves if you have them. Tools will be supplied.
Lunch will be provided – please alert us to any special dietary needs when you register. Please register here.
19.) Invasive Species Volunteer Survey and Data Entry
Date/Time: Thursday, July 12, 12:00PM-2:00PM
Location: 1140 South Park Ave., Buffalo, NY 14204
For those with iMapInvasives database or Phragmites Adaptive Management Framework (PAMF) training, join Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper in surveying at Buffalo River Sites. This event will take place at the NYSDEC Ohio Street Boat Launch. For training on how to use the iMapInvasives database visit their website.
Please contact Robbyn Drake at rdrake@bnwaterkeeper.org to sign up.
20.) Alien Invaders
Date/Time: Thursday, July 12, 1:00PM-2:30PM
Location: Evangola State Park, 10191 Old Lake Shore Rd, Irving, NY 14081
Join us at Evangola State Park to celebrate Invasive Species Awareness Week by learning what is invading our state parks and what we can do to help. Please register by calling (716) 549-1050.
For more info, visit our website.
21.) Reinstein Woods: Invasive Plants Work Day
Date/Time: Thursday, July 12, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Location: Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY 14043
Help remove invasive plants from Reinstein Woods and learn alternative native species to plant instead. For adults and children ages 12 and older. Registration required; call 716-683-5959. For more information, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html.
22.) Invasive Species Informational Table
Date/Time: Friday, July 13, 10:00AM-4:00PM
Location: Letchworth State Park- Humphrey Nature Center, Castile, NY 14427
Join us at the Humphrey Nature Center to learn about invasive species, how they impact you, and what YOU can do to stop the spread. Questions can be directed to Meg Janis at Meg.Janis@parks.ny.gov
23.) Water Chestnut Pull
Date/Time: Saturday, July 14, 9:00AM-12:00PM
Location: Audubon Community Nature Center, 1600 Riverside Rd, Jamestown, NY 14701
Audubon will be hosting a major Water Chestnut pull to remove it from ACNC’s Big Pond. Lunch will be served afterward. To participate in the Big Pull on July 14, email Water Chestnut Coordinator Tiffany Donaldson at waterchestnut@auduboncnc.org or call (716) 569-2345.
24.) Invasive Species Carnival
Date/Time: Saturday, July 14, 9:30PM-11:00AM
Location: Four Mile Creek State Park, 1055 Lake Rd, Youngstown, NY 14174
Join us at our pop-up Invasive Species Carnival during New York’s 5th Annual Invasive Species Awareness Week. Come play some of your favorite carnival games, win prizes, and learn what YOU can do to stop the spread of invasive species! Questions can be directed to Angelina Weibel at Angelina.Weibel@parks.ny.gov.
25.) Chautauqua Lake’s Invasive Aquatic Plants: Citizen Scientist Field Training
Date/Time: Saturday, July 14, 10:00AM-4:00PM
Location: Roger Tory Peterson Institute, 311 Curtis St, Jamestown, NY 14701
Are you interested in becoming a better steward of Chautauqua Lake – and getting out on the water for a fun and informative day? Please consider attending this day-long training session in which attendees will have the opportunity to:
• Gain knowledge of the various invasive aquatic plants impacting Chautauqua Lake and other water bodies within Chautauqua County and the surrounding region;
• Gain familiarity with iMapInvasives, the statewide reporting database for invasive species;
• Learn how to operate a hand-held GPS unit and
• Utilize newly learned identification skills on the water.
Kayaks will be provided, at no charge, by Evergreen Outfitters. A brief kayak safety lesson will be included.
*If you would like to attend, please RSVP for this event by the end of the day Tuesday, July 10th by emailing Elyse Henshaw at ehenshaw@rtpi.org or by calling 716-665-2473 ext. 231. Please include your name, phone number, and whether you need a kayak or would prefer to bring your own. If you do need a kayak, please also provide your height and weight so you can be properly fit for a boat and personal floatation device by Evergreen Outfitters. Class size is limited to 15 and lunch is BYO.
26.) Invasive Species Plant Pull
Date/Time: Saturday, July 14, 10:00PM-2:00PM
Location: 1140 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14220
Please join Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper at an invasive species plant pull at the Buffalo River Restoration Site. All volunteers are welcome to join and celebrate Invasive Species Awareness Week!
Please contact Ron Zietz at rzietz@bnwaterkeeper.org to sign up.
27.) Invasive Species Carnival
Date/Time: Saturday, July 14, 12:00PM-3:00PM
Location: Beaver Island State Park, 2136 Oakfield Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072
Join us at our pop-up Invasive Species Carnival by the beach during New York’s 5th Annual Invasive Species Awareness Week. Come play some of your favorite carnival games, win prizes, and learn what YOU can do to stop the spread of invasive species! Questions can be directed to Angelina Weibel at Angelina.Weibel@parks.ny.gov.
28.) Buffalo Science Festival
Date/Time: Saturday, July 14, 1:00PM-4:00PM
Location: Canalside, 44 Prime St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Join WNY PRISM and over 30 WNY organizations at the Buffalo Science Festival hosted by Science Demands Action. The theme for the festival will be “How can Science help you? How can you help science?” There will be demonstrations, hands-on activities, and informational displays addressing these questions.
29.) Reinstein Woods: Aliens!
Date/Time: Saturday, July 14, 2:00PM-3:00PM
Location: Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY 14043
Are there visitors from outer space in Reinstein Woods? No, just plants and animals that have been introduced from other parts of the world. Join a guided tour to meet some of these alien invaders. Please register by calling (716) 683-5959. For more information, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html.
30.) Invasive Species Carnival
Date/Time: Sunday, July 15, 12:00PM-3:00PM
Location: Buffalo Harbor State Park, 1111 Fuhrmann Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14203
Join us at our pop-up Invasive Species Carnival by the playground during New York’s 5th Annual Invasive Species Awareness Week. Come play some of your favorite carnival games, win prizes, and learn what YOU can do to stop the spread of invasive species! Questions can be directed to Angelina Weibel at Angelina.Weibel@parks.ny.gov.
Displays:
1.) Invasive Species Poster Display
Date/Time: Sunday, July 8- Saturday, July 14, Library Hours
Location: Buffalo and Erie County Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203
2.) Invasive Species Poster Display
Date/Time: Monday, July 9- Saturday, July 14, Library Hours
Location: Crane Branch Library, 633 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222
3.) Invasives Species Poster Display
Date/Time: Monday, July 9- Saturday, July 14, Library Hours
Location: Woodward Memorial Library, 7 Wolcott St, Le Roy, NY 14482
4.) Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper at the Ohio Street Boat Launch
Date/Time: Monday, July 9- Friday, July 13, 10:00AM-6:00PM
Location: Ohio Street Boat Launch, 17 Island St, North Tonawanda, NY 14120
Visit with experts from Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper at the NYSDEC Ohio Street Boat Launch throughout the week. Learn about invasive species, how they impact you, and what YOU can do to stop the spread as well as ongoing restoration and protection projects.