Field Work in Focus June 2026
As the field season gets into full swing, LIISMA has been hard at work managing invasive species across the region, reaching the parks of New York City to the shores … Read more
AbbyB
NYS DEC Invasive Species Grant Announcement
Round 4 is Open – Due 12/17/2025 The NYS DEC Invasive Species Grant Program (ISGP) creates opportunities for municipalities, not-for-profits, and academic institutions to enact projects that address the impacts … Read more
Laurel Wilt Confirmed in Suffolk County
NYS agencies have confirmed the presence of laurel wilt in Northport, Suffolk County, marking the first discovery of the plant disease in New York State. Originating in Asia and first … Read more
Japanese Chaff Flower (Achyranthes japonica)
Common names: Japanese chaff flower, chaff flower, Family: Amaranthaceae Life form: Perennial herb History & Introduction Chaff flower was first reported in the United States in 1981, where it … Read more
Why Worry About New Woodies? Understanding Invasive Plants
It’s a blaze of red in the autumn, thin branches with tiny leaves aflame. Despite being covered in thorns, red barberry (Berberis thunbergii) likely won over the hearts of homeowners … Read more
Fieldwork in Focus, June 2025
The month of June has had a little bit of everything for the LIISMA team – surveying conservation areas, responding to emerging species, and helping partners along the way. Early … Read more
Partner Spotlight: Bayard Cutting Arboretum
Nestled next to the Connetquot River and spanning nearly 700 acres in Great River, NY, Bayard Cutting Arboretum has beautiful cultivated landscapes and natural areas for visitors to enjoy. Managing … Read more
Yellow Garden Loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris)
History and Introduction Yellow garden loosestrife is native to Eurasia, and is considered rare in parts of Bulgaria. It was introduced to the United States through the horticulture trade as … Read more
How can we assess the impacts of invasive species in LIISMA?
What’s the difference between a tomato plant and knotweed? Well, many things– one is welcome in your backyard garden for delicious snacks, while the other is likely an unwelcome nuisance. … Read more
Conservation Areas Review
In LIISMA’s Conservation Areas program, we focus on protecting rare species and significant ecological communities from the threat of invasive species. From ponds to forests to beaches, LIISMA staff worked … Read more