Dear Partners,

I hope you will join us Wednesday, May 24, for our popular “Backyard Invasives” webinar at 10:00am to learn how to identify and manage common invasive species. Landowners interested in managing invasive species may also want to read more below about cost-share grants recently announced by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

If you are feeling like a scientific genius, you can also click this link to learn about the “2023 Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize Competition.” This year’s competition is asking the public to submit solutions to address six important conservation issues, including managing invasive species. Prize winners are eligible for up to $100,000 for each winning prize solution. 

Lastly, while it is still only May, the APIPP team is looking ahead to NY’s Invasive Species Awareness Week, which is June 5-11. There are exciting programs and field trips happening the entire week, a few of which are highlighted below.

Backyard Invasives Webinar: May 24, 10:00-11:30am, Zoom

Invasive species are an ever-growing threat to the Adirondacks. Many people are surprised to learn that invasive herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees can often be found growing in their own backyards. Join APIPP to learn how to identity several terrestrial invasive plants, and then learn best practices for effectively managing these species on your property.

Attendees will gain the skills to carry out safe chemical and manual control of invasive species following the principles of integrated pest management. For those seeking pesticide credits, this webinar will offer 1.5 NYS pesticide credits in categories 3a, 6a, and 9. Live participation in the webinar and successful completion of an online quiz are required to receive credits. Register for the webinar here.

Regenerate New York Grant Program for Forest Owners

The Regenerate NY grant program supports the regeneration of forests so they may continue to deliver vital services such as mitigating climate change, protecting air and water quality, and supporting the economy. Forests in NY face many challenges today that did not exist a century ago, the most significant being wide-spread damage caused by increased white-tailed deer populations and competition from invasive vegetation. Through Regenerate NY, landowners can apply for financial assistance for projects on their land that support the establishment and renewal of healthy forests. Find out more about this program here. While the application opportunity closes October 6, applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and only $850,000 is available. Note: The minimum award is $10,000 and the maximum award is $100,000, and there is a 25% cost-share requirement.

NY Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW) June 5-11: Photography Workshop, Field Trips, Landowner Workshops, and More!

NY’s Invasive Species Awareness Week will be here soon! Mark your calendar for these great programs and check out this link for events across the state.

Invasive Species Identification Guided Walk (Lake George): June 9, 10:00am

During this one-hour walk along the Warren County Bike Trail in Lake George, APIPP’s Terrestrial Invasive Species Coordinator Becca Bernacki will show how you how to identify common invasive plants. The walk is co-sponsored by the Lake George Association and the Lake George Land Conservancy. Register here.

Photography for Nature Lovers (Zoom): June 9, 10:30am

This virtual program will cover how to photograph plants for identification purposes and how to report the presence of invasive species to iMapInvasives, NY’s invasive species database. The workshop will provide an overview of some common invasive species and cover photography basics, including how to use manual camera settings and proper image composition techniques. Register here.

Woodlot Ownership 101 (SUNY Adirondack): June 3, 8:15am – 2:45pm

This workshop, offered by Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District, is a good way to get a jump start on ISAW. This is a great opportunity for new or experienced woodlot owners to learn how to make informed decisions about forest management options. For more information click here. There is a $10.00 registration fee.

Regards,

Tammara