Invasive Species Awareness Week Events Announced for the Adirondacks

Invasive Species Awareness Week Events Announced for the Adirondacks

This Year’s Theme – “What YOU Can Do to Stop the Spread

 

Keene Valley, NY (July 2018) – New York State’s fifth annual Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW) will take place next week - July 8th-14th. The Nature Conservancy’s Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) is collaborating with various partner organizations to offer invasive species related events and training opportunities throughout the region. Featured events include an Innovations in Invasive Species Prevention, Early Detection, & Management Summit, Backcountry Water Monitors Training, Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species Identification and Survey Training, Hike for Hemlocks at Heart Lake, and Adirondack Invaders Day at The Wild Center. ISAW Events are open to the public, with a wide range of activities allowing anyone to participate. By participating in an ISAW event, you will learn what simple steps can be taken to prevent the spread of invasive species and how to survey for and report newly discovered infestations. For the full list of events visit the calendar of events on APIPP’s website (www.adkinvasives.com/calendar) or finalized ISAW – Adirondack Events Flyer.

APIPP and partner organizations will also be providing educational booths at regional venues such as the Utica Zoo, Speculator Farmers Market, and High Peaks Welcome Center/Rest Area. Invasive species experts will be available to provide information and educational handouts, as well as to help answer any questions. Boaters and anglers are encouraged to pay a visit to a local boat launch steward or any of the free boat inspection/decontamination stations located throughout the region to learn about how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. All Adirondack visitors and residents are encouraged to take the small, simple steps to prevent the spread of invasive species featured on www.keepinvasivespeciesout.com – APIPP’s new invasive species awareness campaign and call to action.

Invasive species are non-native plants and animals that are harmful to the economy, ecosystems, and even human health. They can be spread unknowingly through everyday activities such as hiking, camping, boating, fishing, hunting, gardening and landscaping. Invasive Species Awareness Week is a collaborative effort of organizations across New York State, with the common goal of raising awareness to protect New York and its residents from the harmful impacts of invasive species. ISAW is organized to promote knowledge and understanding of invasive species, while educating the public on how to prevent the spread, avoid harm, take action to help survey for and manage infestations, and ultimately Keep Invasive Species Out of the places we love.