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 of East Hampton.
Addressing emerging invasive species is a key part of LIISMA’s field work. 
This month, Melody confirmed a new small population of chaff flower (Achyranthes japonica) in Brooklyn, and is coordinating a response to this new invasive plant. This brings the total of known chaff flower populations to three, all of which are in New York City. In Suffolk County, the team visited Fuch’s Pond Preserve to check on populations of ragged robin (Silene flos-cuculi). For the second year in a row, the species was not detected at this site; the team will continue checking on it to ensure local eradication.
Protecting the region’s unique biodiversity from invasive species is another top priority for LIISMA. Kassidy led a survey of Cedar Point County Park, one of LIISMA’s twelve Invasive Species Prevention Zones. The team found three previously unreported invasive species at the site, including mile-a-minute (Persicaria perfoliata), tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissimma), and maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis) in the healthy forest interior. With updated management recommendations, LIISMA will continue protecting the unique coastal forest communities of this site. Further west in the Pine Barrens, Kassidy prepared the team for future phragmites (Phragmites australis) removal at two inland ponds. These areas host coastal plain Atlantic white cedar swamps, which are “critically imperiled” (S1) in New York according to the New York Natural Heritage Program. Small populations of phragmites threaten the ecological integrity of these ponds, and LIISMA plans to manage these populations over time with the assistance of volunteers.
With temperatures heating up, June held plenty of opportunities for the LIISMA team to hop in the water.
At water chestnut (Trapa natans) pulls hosted by DEC Region 1 at Massapequa Lake, over 25 volunteers from West Babylon High School joined in the conservation effort during New York Invasive Species Awareness Week. By removing water chestnut before it goes to seed, volunteer crews can reduce the seed bank year after year, improving the aquatic health and recreation opportunities on the lake.
But the aquatic fun didn’t end there; LIISMA assisted in a pilot aquatic restoration project led by Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, Carlos Morantes-Ariza. This project is examining the competitive effects of water lily (Nymphaea odorata) on water chestnut and floating water primrose (Ludwigia peploides). After installing water lily tubers in Twin Lakes Preserve, Massapequa Lake, and the Peconic River, crews will monitor the plant cover in experimental and treatment plots over the course of the season.
Thanks as always to our partners at New York City Parks, Suffolk County Parks, and NYSDEC Region 1 for making this month’s work possible. Stay tuned for many more field project updates as the season continues!
