Join us on Tuesday, July 28, for a walk along Point Au Roche’s beautiful Long Point trail to learn about the history of the park and invasive species. The two-hour walk will begin at 10:00am in the Deep Bay parking lot and continue to the scenic overlook at the end of Long Point. Kristin Collins, environmental educator with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, will lead a discussion on Point Au Roche’s history that will include the history of invasive species there. Shaun Kittle, the communications manager with the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, will cover basic plant identification, invasive species identification, how to prevent the spread of invasives, and how to report invasives using the iMapInvasives app. Participants will learn to identify invasive species that are present along the Long Point trail and they will also learn about invasive forest pests like beech leaf disease and hemlock woolly adelgid, which are not yet known to be in the Plattsburgh area. For those who want to go deeper, there will also be a short talk about APIPP’s volunteer Forest Pest Hunters and Lake Protectors programs. Volunteers who participate agree to adopt a trail or waterbody to monitor for invasive species—it’s a great way to give back while enjoying our lovely forests and waters!

All participants should be prepared to walk along a fairly level trail for about two hours. Wear close-toed shoes and bring snacks, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and whatever else makes you comfortable in the woods. Field guides to invasive species and other materials will be provided to all participants.