Join Emily-Bell Dinan, Education and Outreach Coordinator from the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) to learn about invasive plants and animals impacting Adirondack forests, lakes, rivers, and mountains. Partnering with the Paul Smith’s College Visitor Informative Center (the VIC), this family learning event will explore the idea of what invasive species are, how they impact ecosystems, and ways for the whole family to take action this summer on the 25 miles of beautiful trails that the VIC stewards. 

Geared towards grades 3 - 8, this one-hour online program has something the whole family can enjoy. Conducted over Zoom, this online workshop introduces the concept of invasive species, how to identify common invasive plants, and students will learn how to read a map out in the field. Though the online learning takes only an hour, participants can keep up their environmental actions all summer long while visiting the VIC through self-guided invasive species mapping activities along family-friendly trails.

Field work not only makes science fun, but promotes conservation values starting at a young age. After arriving at the VIC, connect to their trained Naturalist Staff to pick up an Invasive Species Mapping Kit to scout for target plants out in the field. Families can record plant and animal observations while hiking, deliver data back to VIC Naturalists, and see that information get added into iMapInvasives, the online tracking system used by invasive species research professionals state-wide. Have fun, learn about our local environment, and help support real-life research!