Recent News
2020 WNY PRISM Crew Assistance Program
WNY PRISM is currently seeking project proposals for consideration under the 2020 WNY PRISM Crew Assistance Program! To assist with invasive species management activities within the 8-county WNY PRISM region, the WNY PRISM Crew (Crew) is available to work with partners on new and ongoing management projects. The Crew works June through September and consists of trained Invasive Species Management Assistants (3). Eligible activities […]
2019 Field Notes: Glossy Buckthorn at Houghton Preserve
Part of WNY PRISM’s mission is to address invasive species priorities throughout western New York. To do this we work with partner organizations who alert us to invasive species threats on their properties. One such partner is the Nature Sanctuary Society of Western New York (NSSWNY), which protects properties throughout the region to promote plant […]
The Busiest Launch Around
This summer, WNY PRISM started its first fully staffed Watercraft Inspection Steward Program. Throughout the summer, our 20 stewards performed 17,065 inspections and spoke with 39,697 people at 22 different launches. Our busiest launch at Sturgeon Point completed nearly 20% of these inspections. Check out the 2019 Data Report for more information and keep reading […]
WNY PRISM 2019 Partner Survey
Five years ago, when WNY PRISM was first getting ourselves up and running, we sent out a survey to the fledgling partnership to ask questions about your biggest concerns, priorities and where you were most hoping WNY PRISM would be able to help. We had a great response and those answers helped form our priorities […]
WNY PRISM Fall 2019 Newsletter
WNY PRISM has released our Fall 2019 Newsletter! Featured stories include Invasive Species’s Impacts on Tick Populations, Early Detection Updates, our 2019 Watercraft Inspection Program Data, WNY PRISM’s Strategic Plan (2019-2023) and a feature on the invasive species, Oriental Bittersweet.
WNY PRISM’s Fall Partner Meeting
Everyone is encouraged to attend, event if you’ve never worked with us before!
Strategic Planning Meeting
WNY PRISM needs help from our partners in our ongoing strategic planning process. Help shape WNY PRISM’s next 5 years! Sessions will be held on Friday, September 13 and Monday, September 16, 2019.
2019 Field Notes: eDNA Sampling
Surveying for aquatic invasive species is difficult, especially in large, open bodies of water like the Great Lakes. The tools used in traditional surveying including nets, traps, electrofishing and rake tosses can miss early infestations that may consist of only a few individuals. However, when surveying for invasive species, we want to find new infestations […]
Giant Hogweed: NYS DEC Announces Management Progress
Giant hogweed is one of the most infamous invasive species in our area. It is well known for its ability to cause severe skin and eye irritation resulting in painful burns, scarring and even blindness. Thankfully, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) has been working to eradicate populations across the state. […]
Welcome to our Slender False Brome Seasonal Staff
WNY PRISM is pleased to welcome its seasonal employees who focus on Slender False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), including two Survey Technicians, Amanda Gabryszak and Kathleen McCormick, and one GIS Technician, Melissa Boglioli. Amanda and Kathleen will survey sites within WNY PRISM’s region to find new populations of slender false brome while Melissa will continue her […]
Boat Stewards: Now at a Boat Launch Near You!
This season marks an exciting first for WNY PRISM with the introduction of our first, fully developed Watercraft Inspection Program! Last week we trained 20 Boat Stewards and Lead Stewards, a tenfold increase from our two Boat Stewards last year. Throughout the summer, they will perform voluntary watercraft inspections to remove visible aquatic plants and […]
WNY PRISM Welcomes its 2019 Summer Crew
WNY PRISM is excited to welcome its 2019 Summer Crew! This year we are welcoming our three Invasive Species Management Assistants, Derek Claus, Ryan Elliott, and Payton Hanssen, as well as our Education and Outreach Assistant, Ashley Carmichael. Derek, Ryan and Payton will be working in the field on many different projects across our region. […]
WNY PRISM Spring 2019 Newsletter
WNY PRISM has released our Spring 2019 Newsletter! Featured stories include Imperiled Insects and Invasive Species, WNY PRISM Watercraft Inspection Program, Japanese Stiltgrass Early Detection, Invasive Species Management Plans and Japanese Angelica Tree.
Oak Wilt: The Importance of Early Detection and Spread Prevention
When we think of invasive species, we imagine the emerald ash borer, giant hogweed or Asian carp. While these invasive plants and animals receive a lot of attention, fungi and diseases can also be invasive species. Oak wilt is a disease caused by an invasive fungus that attacks the xylem tissue of a tree. This […]
Japanese Stiltgrass Update
Japanese stiltgrass is a highly destructive invasive species recently found in East Aurora. Immediately after it was reported in 2017, WNY PRISM and local partners took action. Join us to learn more about Japanese stiltgrass, get an update on outreach and survey efforts, learn about Best Management Practices, and discuss next steps. Questions can be […]
