Posts
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 […]
WNY PRISM 2019 Seasonal Positions Open!
WNY PRISM is now accepting applications for our 2019 Summer Crew!
WNY PRISM Fall 2018 Newsletter
WNY PRISM has released our Fall 2018 Newsletter! Featured stories include Advances in Invasive Species Detection, the Great Lakes Restoration Grant, Crew Highlights and a Partner Spotlight on the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. Check out our Fall 2018 Newsletter here: Vol 4. Issue II Fall 2018
Spotted Lanternfly in New York
In invasive species management, we try our very best to prevent the introduction of new invasive species. We conduct outreach events, develop prevention campaigns and programs, write news posts like this one and even talk about invasive species in our everyday lives. Somehow though, nature finds a way. While we greatly admire nature’s adaptability, it […]
Life as a Boat Steward
In a first for WNY PRISM, we welcomed two boat stewards, Morgan Beatey and Parker Everhart, to our seasonal summer crew. Boat stewards are dedicated to stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species on recreational watercraft. Throughout the summer our boat stewards interacted with boaters, anglers and other recreational water users to raise awareness of […]
2018 Invasive Species Awareness Week
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 […]
Water Chestnut Removal at Jamestown Audubon
Wiping Out Water Chestnut – We’re leaving this Pest in the Past! European water chestnut (Trapa natans) was first detected at the Jamestown Audubon Community Nature Center (ACNC) in 2008. This invasive plant outcompetes native, aquatic vegetation, shades the pond bottom, and lowers the overall quality of the habitat. Many of the ponds within ACNC’s […]
WNY PRISM is Hiring!
WNY PRISM has an opening for a Slender False Brome Project Manager. Slender False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum) is an invasive species that has the ability to invade a wide-range of habitats and dominate these areas to the near complete exclusion of native vegetation.
