Managers Volunteers Partners

Rails to Trails Community Science Program

The Town of Tonawanda’s Rails-to-Trails pathway is a community asset that makes outdoor recreation possible right in your backyard. But the invasive species along the trail threaten to degrade this neighborhood gem. The Town of Tonawanda, along with WNY Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM), are working to manage the offending plants, but we need your help! 

No prior experience is necessary, we will teach you all you need to know! If your missed our trainings or need a refresher, refer to our Rails to Trails Complete Training Packet. 

The Rails to Trails Complete Training Packet includes:

  • Target species identification
  • iMapInvasives account tutorial
  • Rails to Trails mapping app set-up
  • Surveying and collecting data with mapping app
  • Map of trail segments

Rails to Trails Complete Training Packet

2022 Volunteer Schedule:

April: Classroom Training Wednesday, April 27, 2022; 5:30 – 7:30pm Lincoln Park Arena, 260 Decataur Rd, Buffalo 14223

Volunteer Survey #1 Wednesday, June 1 – Wednesday, June 22

Volunteers survey their assigned section on their own time during this timeframe. WNY PRISM available Monday, June 6, 5:30 – 7:30 to review identification and mapping.

TBD: Volunteer Workday Put your skills to use and manually remove these stubborn invaders.

Volunteer Survey #2 Wednesday, August 3 – Wednesday, August 24 Volunteers survey their assigned section on their own time during this timeframe.

New volunteers are welcome throughout the summer! Check out our Rails to Trails Complete Training Packet for all the information you need to jump right in. Our staff are always available to answer questions through email or phone.
 
Click here to sign up!

 

Latest News: June Trail Survey Has Wrapped Up!

Thanks to your survey efforts, 105 reports of invasive species have been added to iMapInvasives! There were 16 different species reported, with the most frequent being common buckthorn. Other top offenders were Dame’s rocket, mugwort, and purple loosestrife. 

If you are signed up for a segment but didn’t get a chance to get out yet, don’t be discouraged! We would appreciate any reports taken on your own time.

Questions can be directed to Andrea Locke at lockeas@buffalostate.edu.