From March 19th –21st, the conservation community came together for the third biennial Resilient Long Island Symposium, co-hosted by the Long Island Invasive Species Management Area (LIISMA) and the Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI). The three-day event focused on local ecology, invasive species, and restoration, and inspired attendees to build resilient communities.
Day 1: Poster Session at Sisters of St, Joseph
The symposium kicked off on March 19th with a Poster Session and Happy Hour at the Sisters of St. Joseph Campus in Brentwood.
Poster presenters started the event by delivering rapid-fire elevator pitches to introduce their work. Attendees then had a chance to engage directly with researchers on a broad range of topics. Meredith Thomson of NYC Parks detailed the use of parasitic wasps to biologically control the invasive Emerald Ash Borer, while Taylor J. Sturm presented the historic rediscovery of the hairy umbrella-sedge (Fuirena squarrosa), a species previously considered extinct in New York since the 1800s. Coastal resilience was a recurring theme, featuring VHB Inc.’s Carlos Vargas and Ashley Crespo-Calamia on the Village of Patchogue Living Shoreline – New York’s largest permitted nature-based coastal protection project, alongside Andy Huang’s larval modeling for oyster sanctuaries in Hempstead Harbor. Additionally, Hofstra University researchers Ashley Anup, Yamila Campuzano & Aleeza Nasir discussed the necessity of annual prescribed burns to maintain the Hempstead Plains, and Alexa Hoffman highlighted how the Nissequogue River State Park Greenhouse successfully pivoted to using unheated “cold frames” for native plant propagation. The evening proved that Long Island’s resilience is being forged through community partnership and dedicated scientific research. These posters highlight only a fraction of the incredible work being done; a massive thank you to all the presenters for their dedication in the field. Together, we are building a more resilient Long Island.
We owe a special thank you to Heather Coste and the Ecological Sustainability Department for hosting and their continued support of LIISMA. The evening’s refreshments were made possible by our generous sponsors: KC Gallagher’s, a family-owned Sea Cliff restaurant that donated wine and beer. Jon Green of Stay Green Brewing shared his unique, eco-friendly self-crafted beer brews. We also enjoyed selections from Barrier Brewing Co., Nassau County’s longest-standing brewery.
Day 2: Resilient Long Island Symposium at Hofstra University
On March 20th, we reconvened at Hofstra University for the second day of the Resilient Long Island Symposium. It was a full day of lectures and networking where professionals and community members explored strategies for fostering ecological resilience. We extend a special thank you to Dr. J. Bret Bennington, Chair of the Department of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability, for hosting us, and we are truly appreciative of the Hofstra staff who helped make the event a success.
The morning was packed with expert insights, beginning with a keynote from Dr. Peter Del Tredici on the historical introduction of Japanese plants between the 1860s and 1880s. He explained that these species were originally prized for their ornamental beauty and hardiness. Ironically, those very traits allowed them to “jump the fence” and dominate natural areas through high adaptability and rapid growth. His talk served as a powerful reminder that our horticultural choices create a lasting legacy that shapes the landscape for generations, creating our shared history.
Following this, Uli Lorimer, Director of Horticulture at the Native Plant Trust, made a compelling case for the essential role of native plant seeds in maintaining genetic diversity. He explained why local ecotypes; seeds sourced from wild local populations, are superior to generic native plants sold at commercial nurseries. These local seeds hold the key to Long Island’s unique epigenetics, acting as biological records of our specific climate and soil. Lorimer called for a stronger regional seed supply chain to ensure that future restoration efforts are built on a fortified and resilient foundation.
Dr. Annise Dobson then took the stage to raise awareness of an unassuming threat to our forests: invasive jumping worms (Amynthas and Metaphire). Dr. Dobson explained how these worms strip the forest floor of vital leaf litter, leaving behind a nutrient-poor soil texture similar to coffee grounds. This creates a cascade of problems, as new native seeds cannot germinate and surviving plants become more susceptible to drought and deer browsing. Her research highlights the urgent need for us to become more “worm-aware” in our woodlands.
During the lunch break, Dr. J. Bret Bennington led a walk to the Hofstra University Bird Sanctuary, allowing attendees to connect with local wildlife firsthand. Created in 1994 on the site of a former groundwater recharge basin, the sanctuary serves a dual purpose: its design retains enough rainfall to create a semi-permanent pond for aquatic life and birds. Thanks to the forethought of the leaders who established it, this habitat remains a thriving resource for the community today.
The afternoon sessions began with Carlos Morantes Ariza, who returned this year with an update on his data-driven approach to managing aquatic invasive species. Focusing on water chestnut (Trapa natans), he presented mathematical models for “adaptive management.” By adjusting labor expectations based on population growth rather than relying solely on volunteer willpower, land managers can more effectively prioritize and control dense infestations.
Attendees then chose between two engaging panel discussions. The Tools for Professionals panel,featured Heather Coste (Director of Ecological Sustainability at the Sisters of St. Joseph), who shared their perspective on managing 200 acres and balancing ecological goals with public use. Mitchell O’Neill (iMapInvasives Administrator) emphasized the power of tracking infestations and the importance of “non-detection” data in allocating state resources. They were joined by ecologist Luke Gervase of GEI Consultants, who provided a private-sector perspective on weighing chemical versus mechanical controls in sensitive public areas.
Simultaneously, the Backyard Ecology panel focused on actionable steps for residential properties. Native plant advocate Xilin Zhang shared her experience of being sued by her village for replacing her lawn with a native garden, highlighting the legal hurdles homeowners often face. Anthony Marinello, founder of Dropseed Native Landscapes, shared tips on creating intentional, aesthetically pleasing native designs, while entomologist Daniel Gilreain from Cornell Cooperative Extension debunked misconceptions about common yard insects and explained how to attract beneficial species.
Returning to the Student Theatre, Dr. Linda Rohleder, founder of the Wild Woods Restoration Project, shared an inspiring model for community-powered conservation. Her “backyard nursery” program trains volunteers to clean, sow, and grow native seeds at home. This approach bridges common barriers to restoration such as the high cost of plants and a lack of public engagement. Her presentation proves that with a little training and equipping a community with the right tools they can contribute to the restoration efforts in their local communities!
The symposium concluded on a high note with Dr. Julie Lockwood’s discussion on “Evidence-Based Hope.” While environmentalists can often fall into a “doom loop” when facing invasive species, Dr. Lockwood shared success stories where targeted management successfully reversed biodiversity loss. Her main takeaway was the importance of sharing data; documenting what works (and what doesn’t), sharing these stories can pave a way for proven strategies leading to a more resilient future.
In addition to the presentations, attendees took part in a silent auction. Lucky participants took home signed copies of Doug Tallamy’s influential books including Nature’s Best Hope, Bringing Nature Home, and The Nature of Oaks as well as protective TickSuits and native plant specimens like Silky Dogwoods and Highbush Blueberry shrubs. Other prizes included memberships to the Landcraft Foundation and the Cinema Arts Center.
Day 3: Circular Ecology Workshop at Hempstead Plains
The three-day symposium concluded on Saturday, March 21, 2026, with a “Circular Ecology of Hempstead Plains” workshop held at the Hempstead Plains Education Center. We would like to extend a special thank you to Hempstead Plains for allowing us to host this event on the plains, a globally unique prairie ecosystem right here on Long Island.
The day began with an informative presentation by Cassandra Moise, LIISMA’s Education and Outreach Manager, on using iMapInvasives as a useful tool for monitoring invasive species. Following this, Rob Longiaru (Conservation Biologist and Director for the Town of Hempstead and Friends of Hempstead Plains) and Polly Weigand (Fire Projects Manager at the Forest Stewards Guild and Founder of the Long Island Native Plant Initiative) discussed the historical fire ecology of the site. They highlighted why prescribed burning is so vital for maintaining the health and biodiversity of grassland ecosystems.
To round out the workshop, Abby Marino (LIISMA Program Manager) and Kassidy Robinson (LIISMA Conservation Area Manager) led a hands-on demonstration. They showed attendees how to use a weed torch for controlled burning, providing a practical, field-based introduction to invasive species management.
With another symposium now behind us, we look forward to applying the wonderful insights shared over these impactful three days. We remain mindful of how our actions today will shape future generations and how going the extra mile can make a world of difference when planning for a more sustainable and resilient Long Island. If you could not make it this year, we sincerely hope you will join us for the next biennial event in 2028. LIISMA extends a final, heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in making this event happen so seamlessly.
Thank you to the event organizers, without which this event would not be possible.
Cassandra Moise (LIISMA Education and Outreach Manager)
Abigail Marino (LIISMA Program Manager)
Kassidy Robinson (LIISMA Conservation Area Manager)
Melody Cerniglia (LIISMA EDRR Manager).
Greg Lowenthal (LINPI Board Co-President)
Colleen Doyle-Novara (LINPI Board Co-President)
Robert Longiaru (LINPI Board Vice President)
Maggie Muzante (LINPI Nursery Manager)
Pam Ireland (LINPI Nursery Manager
Frances Roth (LINPI Treasurer)
Nico Carl (LINPI Board Member)
Heather Coste (LINPI Board Member)
Bret Bennington (LINPI Board Member)
Chris Weisbecker (LINPI Board Member)
A massive thank you goes out to our incredible hosts at the Sisters of St. Joseph, Hofstra University, and Hempstead Plains for providing the perfect locations for these gatherings.
We want to extend a final thank you to the many organizations, sponsors, and non-profit partners that joined us to share their work, including ReWild Long Island, TheTickSuit, Dropseed Native Landscapes, KMS Native Plants, Long Island Natives, Long Island Sierra Club Group, Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt, Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center, Perfect Earth Project, Peconic Land Trust, Save the Great South Bay, CEED, South Shore Audubon Society, Glover Perennials, Surfrider Foundation, New York Flora Association, Coindre Hall Park Community, United State Department of Agriculture, New York State Department of Agriculture , Sea Grant/Long Island Sound Partnership, Nelson, Pope & Voorhis, LLC, Peconic Estuary Partnership, Quogue Wildlife Refuge, Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference, Northport Native Garden Invitative, Long Island Native Plant Invitative, Hempstead Plains, and North Shore Land Alliance.
