Long Island Invasive Species Management Area (LIISMA)

LIISMA February Partners Meeting & Workshop (Virtual)
2024-02-09 10:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
Join LIISMA over Zoom for our February Partners Meeting – a chance to connect with colleagues, share updates, and learn together!

In addition to a LIISMA update and roundtable partner discussions, workshop presentations include:

Peconic River Aquatic Control Project: When Mechanical Options Just Aren’t Enough with Cathy McGlynn, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator for the NYSDEC

The Impact of Invasive Plants on Salamanders with Rick Lehtinen, Professor of Biology at the College of Wooster

Tickets are free, but advanced registration is required. RSVP below to join us virtually. See you there!

See the full agenda

Register for virtual attendance

Share your ideas for future LIISMA meetings

Resilient Long Island Symposium
2024-03-08 08:00 - 17:00
Resilient Long Island is a symposium in which community members, researchers, and professionals are invited to learn how to foster resilient ecological communities. After learning about native plants, invasive species management strategies, restoration practices, and more, attendees will be inspired to take action. Whether you are interested in bolstering your community science program or implementing a restoration project, this event has something for everyone.

Hosted by the Long Island Invasive Species Management Area and Long Island Native Plant Initiative at Hofstra University– and other workshop locations– expect three action-packed days of presentations, interactive workshops, a poster session, and more!

Phrag Fight at Westbrook with Seatuck
2024-04-19 09:00 - 2024-04-20 12:00
PHRAG FIGHT! Join Seatuck Environmental Association on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20, as they work to safeguard the unique natural restoration underway at West Brook in Great River, NY. The work will take place at the site of the former West Brook Pond, which was a man-made pond until 2019, when its dam (built 120 years ago) failed and the water drained away.

With the pond gone, the brook has found its former channel and an amazing natural restoration has taken hold along its banks – seeds long dormant under the pond have sprouted into a freshwater meadow dominated by native plants!

But the restoration is threatened by incursion from the invasive common reed, phragmites. Over the past five growing seasons, Seatuck staff and volunteers have fought to keep the phrag at bay. We’re winning, but the fight’s not over yet!

To register, please click the links below:

Earth Day Work Day – 4/19/24

Earth Day Work Day – 4/20/24

Invasive Species Volunteer Workdays at LI National Wildlife Refuges
2024-04-20 09:00 - 2024-08-10 12:00
The Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex (LIC) is hosting a series of volunteer workdays to manage invasive plant species and protect our native wildlife!

Invasive species are a serious threat to our local ecosystems. By volunteering to remove invasive plants, participants can help to:

Restore native habitats for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.

Improve the overall health of the refuge ecosystem.

Learn about local plants and the importance of conservation.

Volunteers will assist with tasks such as hand-pulling, digging, and cutting invasive plants. No former experience is necessary. All volunteers will receive training on invasive species identification and safe removal techniques. Tools and equipment will also be provided.

All workdays are scheduled on Saturdays from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.

April 20th: Target Rock NWR (Garlic Mustard)

April 27th: Wertheim NWR (Garlic Mustard)

May 4th: Elizabeth A. Morton NWR (Garlic Mustard)

July 20th: Wertheim NWR (Swallowwort)

July 27th: Target Rock NWR (Swallowwort)

August 3rd: Wertheim NWR (Swallowwort)

August 10th: Elizabeth A. Morton NWR (Grassland Restoration Project)

Contact Biological Science Technician Brooke Shellman to RSVP at brooke_shellman@fws.gov or call 631-289-0485 ext. 2132. See you there!

Earth Day Celebration
2024-04-27 12:00 - 15:00
at Quogue Wildlife Refuge

Join the Earth Day Celebration at Quogue Wildlife Refuge cohosted by Quogue Wildlife Refuge & Eastern Long Island Audubon Society for fun activities for all ages!

Activities include:

Crafts

Guided Bird Walks

Meet Live Animals (12:30pm & 2pm)

Environmental Exhibitors

Handmade Goods

Kayaking & Canoeing

MattiTaco Food Truck

Hampton Coffee Company

Electronics Recycling by EcoTech

Prescription Drug Take Back by HUGS, Inc. & Quogue PoliceDepartment

Free Native Tree Giveaway from Bartlett Tree, and more!

LIISMA will be there tabling, so come by for educational handouts and a chat about invasive species!

May 10th LIISMA Partners Meeting & Workshop
2024-05-10 10:00 - 13:30 | LIISMA Office, 1725 Brentwood Road, Bldg. 2, Brentwood, NY, 11717, United States
Join LIISMA for our May Partners Meeting – a chance to connect with colleagues, share updates, and learn together!

In addition to a LIISMA update and roundtable partner discussions, workshop presentations include:

Protecting Biodiversity in Invasive Species Management – Field Applications and GIS Tools with Abby Marino, Conservation Areas Manager with LIISMA (in-person)

INHABIT: the Invasive Species Habitat Tool with Catherine Jarnevitch, Research Ecologist with USGS (virtual)

Invasive Plants Management Strategies and Sustainable Practices at a 160-acre Oak-Tulip Tree Forest in Nassau County with Stephane Perrault, Naturalist, of Greentree Foundation (in person)

Tickets are free, but advanced registration is required. RSVP below to join us in person or register for virtual attendance. Light refreshments will be served. Email kassidy@liisma.org with any questions. See you there!

See the full agenda

Register for virtual attendance

Share your ideas for future LIISMA meetings

NYSDEC's Annual Water Chestnut Pulls
2024-05-31 09:00 - 2024-07-19 12:30
Help Us to Remove this Invasive Weed and PreserveLong Island’s Lakes!The removal of water chestnut is vital in preserving the natural beautyand recreational opportunities on Long Island lakes. The New York StateDepartment of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is excited to inviteyou to participate in this crucial invasive species removal event.Come volunteer with us and support our local ecosystem’s health andensure enjoyment of our waterways for generations to come.Where?Mill Pond Preserve, Wantagh and/or Massapequa Lake, MassapequaWhen?

How?Visit the link below to sign up for the best date and location for you:https://forms.gle/6Xgie1Cx9hESTGyn8

Why Join Us?– Invasive species like water chestnut can wreak havoc on the delicate balance ofour lakes, crowding out native species anddisrupting the ecosystem.– Preserving Long Island’s Lifestyle: Help protect the activities and traditions that make Long Island special, from leisurely angling to adventurous kayaking.

Gear is Provided:

DEC will provide waders for those in need and kayaks for select volunteers.

QUESTIONS? CONTACT CARLOS MORANTES ARIZAAquatic Invasive SpeciesProgram CoordinatorDEC Region 150 Circle RoadStony Brook, NY 11742

carlos.morantes-ariza@dec.ny.gov

2024 Long Island Invasive Species BioBlitz
2024-05-31 19:00 - 2024-06-10 00:00
Community members across Long Island and New York City are participating in the Long Island Invasive Species BioBlitz 2024 for Invasive Species Awareness Week (NYISAW), June 3 – 9. The BioBlitz promotes knowledge and understanding of invasive species and empowers YOU to help protect our local biodiversity!

Participants are encouraged to contribute invasive species observations, along with native species observations, from across the region of LIISMA region – including Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. LIISMA offered a Zoom webinar on May 30th to teach invasive and native species identification and the use of the free iNaturalist and iMapInvasives apps. The BioBlitz kickoff webinar has been recorded and is available here to view for training purposes.

How can I join the BioBlitz?

Join the Long Island BioBlitz project on iNaturalist:. Make sure you are logged in to iNaturalist, then click “join” in the top right of the project.

Start BioBlitzing! Make observations on iNaturalist between June 1 – 9 independently or at one of our BioBlitz events (your entries will automatically count towards the Blitz once you’ve joined the project!)

Questions? Email invasive@liisma.org for assistance.

Are you part of a local conservation agency? Become a BioBlitz partner to get your community involved!

Partnering on the BioBlitz with many local organizations is a great way to increase our reach and strengthen partnerships along the way! As a partner on the BioBlitz, you will have the opportunity to do one or more of the following:

Promote this event to the public through email, website, etc, and encourage your following to make independent iNaturalist observations during the Blitz.

(Optional) Contribute to the kick-off webinar by highlighting conservation topics specific to your organization (i.e. what stands to benefit from reporting species on iNaturalist? Rare species conservation, habitat restoration, reporting invasives, etc.)

(Optional) Host an independent or collaborative in-person BioBlitz event during NYISAW or encourage participants to join the BioBlitz at any NYISAW event you are hosting.

If you’d like to partner with us on the BioBlitz, email invasive@liisma.org to let us know!

USFWS NYISAW Events at the National Wildlife Refuges
2024-06-01 08:00 - 2024-06-08 17:00
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NYISAW is a campaign that aims to educate the public about invasive species. The LongIsland National Wildlife Refuge Complex (LIC) will be hosting tabling events, guidednature walks, workshops, and volunteer workdays. Follow Long Island National WildlifeRefuges on Facebook to learn a new fact about invasive species every day duringNYISAW!

Join USFWS for a week of events dedicated to raising awarenessabout invasive species and their impact on our environment!

Saturday, June 1: Seatuck National Wildlife RefugeAddress: 600 S Bay Ave, Islip, NY 11751Event: Invasive Species Volunteer WorkdayTime: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PMDetails: Meet in the Islip Town Beach Parking lot at 10 AM. Volunteers will work with refuge staff to manage mile-a-minute vine and conduct a beach cleanup. We will be working on a 0.6-mile stretch of beach accessible by walking only. All materials will be carried in and out from the worksite. Provided: Snacks, water refills, work gloves, insect repellent, and work tools. Bring: Refillable water bottle, sturdy close-toed shoes, light colored clothing, long pants, long socks, long sleeves, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Please be aware that ticks are prevalent. Volunteers must complete a Volunteer Services Agreement (VSA). Attendees should register and submit a VSA at least two days in advance*. *Volunteers under age 18 must have parental permission to participate. **Day of attendees may be permitted to join. Contact Biological Science Technician Brooke Shellman to RSVP at brooke_shellman@fws.gov or call 631-286-0485 ext. 2132.

Wednesday, June 5: Target Rock National Wildlife RefugeEvent: Invasive Species TablingTime: 12:00 – 3:00 PMDetails: Table will be set up at Rocky Beach Trailhead. Learn about invasive species and take home handouts, coloring pages, stickers, and more!

Event: Guided Nature WalkTime: 2:00 – 3:00 PMDetails: Meet at Warblers Loop trailhead to join refuge staff on a walk and talk about invasive species. The Warbler’s Loop Trail is approximately 0.8 miles, and the walk will take approximately 45 minutes to complete, moving at a leisurely pace.

Thursday, June 6: Wertheim National Wildlife RefugeEvent: Invasive Species TablingTime: 12:00 – 3:00 PMDetails: Table will be set up at the White Oak trailhead. Learn about invasive species and take home handouts, coloring pages, stickers, and more!

Event: Guided Nature WalkTime: 2:00 – 3:00 PMDetails: Meet at the Black Tupelo trailhead to join refuge staff on a walk and talk about invasive species. The walk is about 1 mile down the Black Tupelo trail and will take approximately 1 hour to complete, moving at a leisurely pace.

Friday, June 7: Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife RefugeEvent: Invasive Species TablingTime: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PMDetails: Table will be set up at the trailhead. Learn about invasive species and take home handouts, coloring pages, stickers, and more!

Event: Guided Nature WalkTime: 10:00 – 11:00 AMDetails: Meet at the trailhead to join refuge staff on a walk and talk about invasive species. The Beach Trail is approximately 0.6 miles, and the walk will take approximately 45 minutes to complete, moving at a leisurely pace.

Saturday, June 8: Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife RefugeEvent: Invasive Species TablingTime: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PMDetails: Table will be set up at the trailhead. Learn about invasive species and take home handouts, coloring pages, stickers, and more!

Event: Guided Nature WalkTime: 2:00 – 3:00 PMDetails: Meet at the trailhead to join refuge staff on a walk and talk about invasive species. The Beach Trail Loop is approximately 0.7 miles, and the walk will take approximately 45 minutes to complete, moving at a leisurely pace.

Saturday, June 8: Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge

Event: Invasive Species TablingTime: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PMDetails: Table will be set up at the White Oak trailhead. Learn about invasive species and take home handouts, coloring pages, stickers, and more!

Event: Invasive Species WorkshopTime: 1:00 – 2:00 PMDetails: Presented by USFWS Biological Science Technician Brooke Shellman. Learn how to identify local, prevent the spread, and manage local invasive species. The event will take place in the multipurpose room.

Event: Guided Nature WalkTime: 2:00 – 3:00 PMDetails: Meet at the White Oak trailhead to join refuge staff on a walk and talk about invasive species. The walk is about 1 mile down the Connector Trail and will take approximately 1 hour to complete from the trailhead to the Friends Cabin, and back, moving at a leisurely pace.

NYISAW Webinar: Storytelling and the Language of Invasive Species Outreach
2024-06-03 13:00 - 14:00
Join us during New York Invasive Species Awareness Week (#NYISAW) for this valuable virtual workshop! We will explore the art of storytelling and how to frame invasive species’ language in a way that reduces cultural biases, racism, and exclusionary concepts. Interactive ad-lib style activities will be incorporated for an engaging and informative workshop. This program is catered toward professionals but is open to anyone interested.

Register by visiting: https://bit.ly/is-storytelling-nyisaw

Questions? Email kassidy@liisma.org

Volunteer to Pull Mile-a-Minute, Cushman Woods Preserve with the North Shore Land Alliance
2024-06-05 10:00 - 12:00
The 7-acre meadow at Cushman Woods Preserve in Locust Valley is in the second season of its restoration. It was seeded with native grasses and wildflowers at the end of 2022 and it is coming in nicely. Unfortunately, the Mile a Minute is also coming back in patches, and we are looking for people to help remove it!

Everyone is welcome, but we ask participants to register in advance.

Registration

Advanced registration is required! Click here to register.

Before the event, but after you have registered, we will email you to confirm your attendance and provide more detailed information. If you are unable to attend, please contact us at 516-922-1028 or Darcy@northshorelandalliance.org, as this will help us register those on the waiting list.

Event Changes and Cancellations

Events are subject to change. Stay informed by visiting the Land Alliance website. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

Hempstead Plains BioBlitz Walk
2024-06-07 10:00 - 12:00
Join LIISMA and Hempstead Plains staff in exploring the Hempstead Plains, a unique and rare ecological community. The group will walk around, getting an introduction to the Plains and the BioBlitz, and then explore the grassland, observing species present using iNaturalist. Staff will be present to answer any questions about the BioBlitz or Plains’ ecology. Join us for a chance to explore this beautiful ecosystem and its rare plant community while gathering data to inform conservation efforts.

Be sure to RSVP below to secure your spot!

A BioBlitz kickoff webinar will be held on May 30th at 7pm to discuss species identification and BioBlitz instructions. We highly recommend joining us before participating in the BioBlitz. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pcuGorTooEtzNAznoBeoNDdXcNXF-4grV#/registration

Please come prepared to this event with water, sun protection such as hats and sunscreen, tick protection such as bug spray and long pants/socks.

Prior to joining us for the in-person event, please follow these instructions to join the Blitz. We can also provide assistance on site, but cell service may be limited.

How can I join the BioBlitz?

Register for the kickoff webinar taking place on May 30 at 7pm to learn how to use iNaturalist and what species to look out for during the Blitz.

Join the Long Island BioBlitz project on iNaturalist:. Make sure you are logged in to iNaturalist, then click “join” in the top right of the project.

Start BioBlitzing! Make observations on iNaturalist between June 1 – 9 independently or at one of our BioBlitz events (your entries will automatically count towards the Blitz once you’ve joined the project!)

If you have any questions, email kassidy@liisma.org

Invasive Plant Talk – Impact, Identification and Removal at Quogue Wildlife Refuge
2024-06-24 16:00 - 17:00
Did you know that invasive species are of the greatest threat to New York’s biodiversity by destroying habitat and our local ecosystem? And they are probably growing on your property now? This program will introduce the roles of native plants, the adverse effects of invasive species found in our community, and how to identify and remove them.

Presented by Danna McCormick, National Park Service Weed Warrior and DC Master Naturalist

This is a free program; registration is required as space is limited. RSVP here.

Mapping Invasive Species with iMapInvasives
2024-07-12 12:00 - 13:00
Are you a keen spotter of invasive species and want to put your observations to good use? Join the LIISMA team for a virtual training Friday, July 12th at 12pm to learn how to use iMapInvasives!iMapInvasives is a tool used by professionals and community members to record observations of invasive plants and animals. It’s a great tool for sharing your observations, assisting managers, or tracking your own management projects.

Registration is required: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIlcuivqzksHtDH_JYFdKnv8ChJxMzLPeKa

Phragmites Pull @ West Brook with Seatuck
2024-08-23 09:00 - 12:00
Join Seatuck Environmental Association for a volunteer phragmites pull at West Brook!

The only dam on West Brook, a major tributary of the Connetquot River, failed in 2019 and allowed the artificial pond behind it to drain. For the first time in over 100 years, the brook could once again flow naturally from its headwaters in Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park down to the tidal reaches of the Great South Bay. It is now one of only a few free-flowing streams on Long Island. It has great ecological potential as a place where migratory fish can return and other native riverine species can once again find a home. Which is why Seatuck is excited to share that New York State Parks has decided not to repair the dam! We are also happy to announce that Seatuck was awarded funding through the NYSDEC Invasive Species Grant Program for at least 3 more years of invasive species management at West Brook!

Join Seatuck on Friday, August 23rd, 2024, as they work to remove invasive species at West Brook and continue to improve stream habitat for diadromous fish. Please register to attend. You can also email kmattei@seatuck.org for more information.

Register

When:

August 23rd, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location:

Westbrook Sports ComplexWheeler RdGreat River, NY 11739United States

Contact

Phone: 5167543956

Email: kmattei@seatuck.org

LIISMA September Partners Meeting and Workshop (Virtual)
2024-09-06 10:00 - 13:00
Join LIISMA over Zoom for our September Partners Meeting to sharpen your aquatic invasive species identification skills, learn about the role deer play in invasive plant spread, and more!

In addition to a LIISMA update and roundtable partner discussions, workshop presentations include:

How Deer Shape Forest Ecosystems and Promote the Spread of Invasive Species with Brendan Quirion, Wildlife Biologist with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Aquatic Invasive Species Identification with LIISMA

Partner Spotlight on the Long Island Native Plant Initiative

Tickets are free, but advanced registration is required. RSVP below to join us virtually. See you there!

See the full agenda

Register for virtual attendance

Share your ideas for future LIISMA meetings

Phragmites Pull @ West Brook with Seatuck
2024-09-20 09:00 - 12:00
Join Seatuck Environmental Association for a volunteer phragmites pull at West Brook!

The only dam on West Brook, a major tributary of the Connetquot River, failed in 2019 and allowed the artificial pond behind it to drain. For the first time in over 100 years, the brook could once again flow naturally from its headwaters in Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park down to the tidal reaches of the Great South Bay. It is now one of only a few free-flowing streams on Long Island. It has great ecological potential as a place where migratory fish can return and other native riverine species can once again find a home. Which is why Seatuck is excited to share that New York State Parks has decided not to repair the dam! We are also happy to announce that Seatuck was awarded funding through the NYSDEC Invasive Species Grant Program for at least 3 more years of invasive species management at West Brook!

Join Seatuck on Friday, September 20th, 2024, as they work to remove invasive species at West Brook and continue to improve stream habitat for diadromous fish. Please register to attend. You can also email kmattei@seatuck.org for more information.

Register

When:

September 20th, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location:

Westbrook Sports ComplexWheeler RdGreat River, NY 11739United States

Contact

Phone: 5167543956

Email: kmattei@seatuck.org

HELP: Habitat and Ecosystems Land Pro Endorsement
2024-11-05 08:00 - 2025-01-23 17:00
The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center is excited to once again offer HELP: Habitat and Ecosystems Landscape Pro, a comprehensive educational program for landscape professionals. Learn how to create ecological landscapes, engage in sustainable landscape practices, and work towards natural climate solutions!Upon program completion, participants will receive benefits such as CE credits and publicity from Audubon and the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center to our members.Visit their website to learn more about this opportunity!

Fall 2024 Programs

In November, they will be offering this 3-day educational program for the second time! Registrants must attend all three classes to complete the course.

November 5, 8:15 AM – 1:45 PM (Hybrid via Zoom or in person)

November 12, 8:15 AM – 1:30 PM (Hybrid via Zoom or in person)

November 19, 8:15 AM – 1:30 PM (In person only)

For those who cannot attend the November session, the next opportunity will be offered in January.

January 9, 2025, 8:15 AM – 1:45 PM (Hybrid via Zoom or in person)

January 16, 2025, 8:15 AM – 1:30 PM (Hybrid via Zoom or in person)

January 23, 2025, 8:15 AM – 1:30 PM (In person only)

Industry CEU Credits include:

12 credits LA CES 12 credits CNLP 10.5 credits ISA

For more information or to register for the program, contact Joy Cirigliano at joyann.cirigliano@audubon.org.

LIISMA Partners Meeting & Plant Pressing Workshop
2024-12-06 10:00 - 14:00
Join LIISMA for the winter edition of our Partners Meeting and Workshop – featuring an interactive plant pressing workshop with botanist, Daniel Atha!

Where: Join us at this new location in building 4 of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in the La Providencia Dining Room. Entrance and parking TBD.

When: December 6th, 10 am – 2 pm

In addition to a LIISMA update and chance to participate in the roundtable partner discussions, participants will learn the techniques and application involved with plant pressing and creating herbarium specimens. Participants will go home with their newly pressed specimen and the knowledge of how to apply this technique to assist with conservation work or hobby botany.

Attendance is free and material costs are covered by LIISMA and Daniel Atha. Advanced registration is required. RSVP below to join us in person. Due to technological restraints, this event will be in person only and will not be hybrid virtual. Light refreshments will be served. Email kassidy@liisma.org with any questions. See you there!

LIISMA March Partners Meeting & Workshop (Virtual)
2025-03-07 10:00 - 13:00
Join LIISMA over Zoom for our March 7 Partners Meeting – a chance to connect with colleagues, share updates, and learn together!

In addition to a LIISMA update and roundtable partner discussions, presentations include:

NAISMA’s PlayCleanGo Program: Tools and Educational Resources to Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species., with Lorena James, PlayCleanGo Coordinator with NAISMA

Lord of the Preserve: The Fellowship of the Stiltgrass, with Shikha Singh, invasive species Biologist at the Jackson Lenawee Washtenaw Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (JLW CISMA), and The Northeast Regional Invasive Species & Climate Change (NE RISCC) Management Network (NE RISCC)

Partner Spotlight on Bayard Cutting Arboretum with Joy Arden

Tickets are free, but advanced registration is required. RSVP below to join us virtually. See you there!

See the full agenda

Register for virtual attendance

Share your ideas for future LIISMA meetings

Quogue Wildlife Refuge Earth Day Celebration
2025-04-26 12:00 - 15:00

LIISMA Invasive Species Spotters Kickoff Webinar
2025-05-07 13:00 - 14:30
Join LIISMA at a webinar kicking off our new volunteer program – Invasive Species Spotters – on May 7, at 1:00 – 2:30 pm!

Together we will learn about some of the highest-priority invasive species in our region and how to track and report them! With your help, LIISMA will be able to respond to the threat of invasive species more quickly and get to work removing them. Invasive Species Spotters will be trained to work independently to look for invasive plants on Long Island and report back to LIISMA on their findings.

Who should attend/volunteer?

All are welcome! This program is perfect for community members at all skill levels, as we will teach you everything you need to know to get started.

Volunteers will:

Work independently and receive guidance from LIISMA staff

Learn to identify the highest-priority invasive plants in the region

Scout trails, waterways, and urban areas for priority species

Report presence and absence on iMapInvasives

Fill LIISMA in on progress with a google form

Why become an invasive species volunteer?

Make a positive impact (protect biodiversity!)

Get outside more

Connect with professionals

Build your resume

Connect with likeminded people

Improve your wellbeing

Get community service hours

Win prizes!

What if I am a professional or volunteer for another org?

Other professionals and volunteers groups can get involved, too! If volunteers are cross-trained with LIISMA, they can incorporate invasive species surveying into all kinds of conservation work.

Register below to start your quest as an Invasive Species Spotter!

Register here.

LIISMA Spring Partners Meeting & Workshop
2025-05-16 10:00 - 13:30 | 1725 Brentwood Road, Brentwood, NY 11717, 1725 Brentwood Rd, Building 4, Brentwood, New York, 11717
Join LIISMA for our Spring Partners Meeting – a chance to connect with colleagues, share updates, and learn together!

Register for virtual attendance here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/sIdX_zvHQ5yCt2u-9LROnQ

Event Agenda

Featuring presentations:

Navigating Change: Insights into the Finalized NYS Freshwater Wetlands Regulations and Spotlight on Managing Invasive Species to Protect Salamanders in the Coastal Plains, with Peter Davis, Biologist with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

North Atlantic Fire Exchange Program with Polly Weigand, Fire Projects Manager for the Forest Stewards Guild

Partner Spotlight: The Peconic Land Trust with Josh Halsey and Jessie McSwane

Tickets are free, but advanced registration is required. RSVP above to join us in person or register for virtual attendance here. Light refreshments will be served. Further directions to the meeting space will be provided as the meeting approaches. Email kassidy@liisma.org with any questions. See you there!

Long Island Native Plant Initiative Plant Sale
2025-05-17 09:00 - 15:00
A look inside the LINPI greenhouse (LINPI)

LINPI invites you to visit their greenhouse, learn about their operation, and purchase native plants for home use. They also offer quantity discounts for wholesale transactions. LINPI grows over 40 species of forbs, grasses, shrubs, trees, and vines – all of Long Island genetic provenance! Click here to find suitable native plants for your needs and here for their current inventory list.

Volunteer to Remove Parrot Feather Plants with North Shore Land Alliance Williams Ridge
2025-06-03 10:00 - 12:00
Volunteer to Remove Parrot Feather Plants from the Pond(In observance of NYISAW – NY Invasive Species Awareness Week)

Tuesday, June 3rd, 10 AMWilliams Ridge Pond, Lattingtown

Led by Carter Rogan, Volunteer Coordinator and Stewardship Associate

For NYISAW, organizations across all of New York State are offering a variety of engaging events, such as interpretive hikes, volunteer days, webinars, movie screenings and fun family activities! By participating in NYISAW, you can help protect your community’s natural spaces by learning about invasive species. Learn more: https://nyis.info/ny-invasive-species-awareness-week/

Advance registration required.This event is free, but advanced registration is required! After you have registered, but before the event, North Shore Land Alliance (NSLA) will email you to confirm your attendance and provide more detailed information. If you are unable to attend, please contact NSLA, as this will help them register those on the waiting list.

Register Here

Event Changes and CancellationsEvents are subject to change so please check NSLA website for updates. Contact the Land Alliance at 516-922-1028 or info@northshorelandalliance.org.

Volunteer to Pull Mile-a-Minute with North Shore Land Alliance at Humes Preserve
2025-06-04 10:00 - 12:00
Volunteer to Remove Mile-a-Minute Vine (In observance of NYISAW – NY Invasive Species Awareness Week)

Wednesday, June 4th, 10 AMHumes Preserve, Mill Neck

Led by Carter Rogan, Volunteer Coordinator and Stewardship Associate

For NYISAW, organizations across all of New York State are offering a variety of engaging events, such as interpretive hikes, volunteer days, webinars, movie screenings and fun family activities! By participating in NYISAW, you can help protect your community’s natural spaces by learning about invasive species. Learn more: https://nyis.info/ny-invasive-species-awareness-week/

Advance registration required.This event is free, but advanced registration is required! After you have registered, but before the event, North Shore Land Alliance (NSLA) will email you to confirm your attendance and provide more detailed information. If you are unable to attend, please contact NSLA, as this will help them register those on the waiting list.

Register Here

Event Changes and CancellationsEvents are subject to change so please check NSLA website for updates. Contact the Land Alliance at 516-922-1028 or info@northshorelandalliance.org.

Volunteer to Pull Mile-a-Minute with North Shore Land Alliance at Cushman Wood Meadow
2025-06-06 14:00 - 16:00
Volunteer to Remove Mile-a-Minute Vine (In observance of NYISAW – NY Invasive Species Awareness Week)

Friday, June 6th, 2 PM Cushman Woods Meadow, Matinecock

Led by Carter Rogan Volunteer Coordinator and Stewardship Associate

For NYISAW, organizations across all of New York State are offering a variety of engaging events, such as interpretive hikes, volunteer days, webinars, movie screenings and fun family activities! By participating in NYISAW, you can help protect your community’s natural spaces by learning about invasive species. Learn more: https://nyis.info/ny-invasive-species-awareness-week/

Advance registration required.This event is free, but advanced registration is required! After you have registered, but before the event, North Shore Land Alliance (NSLA) will email you to confirm your attendance and provide more detailed information. If you are unable to attend, please contact NSLA, as this will help them register those on the waiting list.

Register Here

Event Changes and CancellationsEvents are subject to change so please check NSLA website for updates. Contact the Land Alliance at 516-922-1028 or info@northshorelandalliance.org.

Guided Invasives Walk at West Meadow Beach
2025-06-09 11:00 - 12:00
Join our partners GEI and Town of Brookhaven for a Guided Invasive Walk at West Meadow Beach! Learn about how invasive species impact local ecosystems, identify various invasive plants, and engage in discussions about conservation. This event is perfect for nature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in environmental stewardship.

11:00 am – 12:00 pm at West Meadow Beach, 100 Trustees Road, Stoney Brook, NY 11790

NYISAW Webinar: Identifying & Reporting Spotted Lanternfly & Tree of Heaven with iMapInvasives
2025-06-10 13:00 - 14:00
Join NY iMapInvasives and the NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets as we launch the 2025 Spotted Lanternfly Gridsquare Survey Project. Learn how you can conduct surveys for and identify spotted lanternfly and its invasive host plant, the tree-of-heaven.

The data collected for this project goes directly into iMapInvasives, the official invasive species database for New York State. This helps invasive species managers and professionals across the state prioritize areas for surveys and management and directly helps to track the spread and distribution of these species around the state.

Register Here

NYISAW Webinar: Navigating the Certified Weed Free Products Program
2025-06-11 13:00 - 14:00
As part of the NYISAW Webinar Series, WNY PRISM is hosting Christie Trifone Millhouse and Jodi Hougan of the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA), who will present on NAISMA’s Certified Weed Free Products Program, which aims to prevent the spread of invasive plant species via the movement of industry products including forage, hay, mulch, gravel, and compost. This program provides assurances to customers, such as land managers and property owners, that noxious plant species will not spread through these priority pathways. NAISMA upholds standards and guidelines, promotes stakeholder communication, and provides inspector certification training to ensure consistent participation across all jurisdictions. This session will review program participation requirements, certification standards and implementation expectations.

Registration is required.

Register Here
