New York Invasive Species Awareness Week

All of us can influence the introduction, spread, and management of invasive species. Learn more by participating in this year’s New York Invasive Species Awareness Week, June 5-11.

An invasive species is a non-native plant, animal, or other organism that can invade natural areas and spread. We can unknowingly spread invasive species via our clothing when walking or hiking.

Still, more invasives are deliberately introduced as pets, ornamental plants, or for recreation. Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to native plants, animals, and our quality of life.

Education: The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website provides information about invasive species; visit their website at www. dec.ny.gov. The website features a documentary, “Uninvited: The Spread of Invasive Species,” which highlights species threatening New York and includes some innovative ways the state uses to combat these threats.

PRISMs: The NYSDEC partners with eight Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management organizations. In central NY, we belong to the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario PRISM or SLELO. PRISMs coordinate how to deal with invasives in their areas, including training volunteer citizen scientists. Consider being a volunteer; visit the SLELO website at https://www.sleloinvasives.org/learn/volunteer/ for more information.

Alternatives to invasive plants: Many plants once considered good plants for the landscape are now considered invasive because they have escaped our natural environment and are out-competing native species. They can reduce food and shelter for native wildlife, including pollinators.

Instead of butterfly bushes, which are considered invasive, plant native summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) or blazing star (Liatris spicata).

The burning bush and the Japanese barberry are on the NYS invasive plant list. Burning bushes can escape your yard, invade natural areas, and out-compete native habitats. Consider native black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) or highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) instead. Instead of Japanese barberry, plant native winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata).

Learn more about which plants are invasive and suggestions on what to plant in their place by downloading the PlantWise New York brochure at https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/plantwise.pdf.

Invasives on the radar: Beech leaf disease and oak wilt are two diseases of concern attacking our precious trees. Beech leaf disease is present in over half the counties in New York; symptoms include striping between the veins of leaves. As the disease progresses, the striping causes the leaves to curl, and they won’t photosynthesize well, weakening the tree. Oak wilt has been discovered in several New York counties.

It is caused by a fungus that blocks the flow of water and nutrients, causing leaves to wilt and fall off, usually killing the tree. The Elm zigzag sawfly feeds exclusively on elm trees; it was confirmed for the first time in New York in August 2022, having been reported in three locations in St. Lawrence County. Spotted lanternflies, along with Asian jumping worms, are also a threat. Visit the NYSDEC website or our SLELO PRISM website for more information www.sleloinvasives.org.

Become a volunteer citizen scientist, report invasive species you see, and help spread the word during Invasive Species Awareness Week and every day you’re out and about or in the garden.