By Cara Fernandes
LIISMA has approved five invasive species subcontracts with funding from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). EPF is administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The projects involve invasive species management and outreach across the LIISMA region. This month, we are highlighting the efforts of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Nassau County which provides invasive species outreach and education, with a specific focus on the emerging invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, SLF).
Our partners at CCE of Nassau County have over a century of experience providing research based horticulture and urban forestry guidance to both professionals and homeowners. Due to their proven history of engaging with a variety of stakeholders, CCE is perfectly poised to provide education and outreach on the invasive species that pose a major threat to Long Island’s urban and agricultural environment.
The spotted lanternfly is a long way from its native range of China and Southeast Asia. But how did this colorful and intricately patterned planthopper make its way to the United States? After it was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014, researchers believed that it was accidentally transported on a shipment of stone from China. Since then, it has spread through the eastern US, potentially being transported on vehicles, wood products, and other objects where it lays its mud-like egg cases. These insects are not picky about where they put their babies, and can lay eggs on almost any flat and still surface, ranging from trees to lawn furniture. Read more on identifying SLF here.
SLF feeds on over 70 species of plants, including hops, grapevines, and fruit trees. Their penchant (and dare I say, good taste) for feeding on crops that humans like to eat and drink is a major cause for concern regarding agricultural production in the LIISMA region. As a Tier 2 species, SLF has the potential to be a high impact species, and warrants the highest level of response for potential containment in the region.
In October 2021, the presence of SLF was confirmed in both Nassau and Suffolk counties, making the outreach and education by CCE of Nassau County under the LIISMA subcontract more important now than ever before. Their education targets homeowners, professionals, community leaders, and builds on the collaborative management work being done by the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. With their extensive experience, CCE of Nassau County recognizes that managing invasive species within an environment requires a comprehensive approach that includes stakeholders from various audiences.
The focus of CCE of Nassau County is to expand the invasive species resources that are available and engage their 100+ trained and certified volunteers in community outreach efforts across Long Island, but especially in the LIISMA priority conservation site locations. They host webinars and workshops for municipal leaders on best management practices, provide an “Invasive Species of the Week” for their social media followers, and more! We are proud to support them in their mission to reduce the harmful effects of invasive species on Long Island through education.
