Written by: Matt Stanton, Melody Cerniglia, Abby Marino
After a long, cold winter, the LIISMA team is excited to report its first visits of the 2026 field season, several of which focused on emerging invasive species.
The team began by visiting two sites where iNaturalist observers reported populations of nodding star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum nutans).First, they searched Powell’s Cove Park but are pleased to report that the species was not detected there. Then they searched Flushing Meadows Corona Park and discovered a small, cultivated patch that appears to be maintained by NYC Parks staff. LIISMA plans to monitor this species within the park and will continue to inform our partners of the potential ecological impact that nodding star-of-Bethlehem may inflict on our region’s natural areas.
After welcoming its summer intern, Matt Stanton, the team investigated a five-fingered aralia (Eleutherococcus sieboldianus) population at the Sisters of St. Joseph campus. Led by Heather Coste, Director of Ecological Sustainability, and their team, we collaboratively located a patch that seemed long-lived and hidden by a thicket of other invasive species. Together, LIISMA and Heather’s team are considering pilot treatments for management strategies, being that this is the only confirmed location in Suffolk County.
Shortly after this visit, the team visited Calverton to locate a reported patch of scotch broom (Cystisus scoparius). There, they surveyed a roadside patch and collected specimens for documentation. They hope to work with the landowners to remove the dense patch and protect the nearby conservation area of Brookhaven State Park.
LIISMA’s last EDRR visit brought the team to Staten Island to investigate a patch of incised fumewort (Cordyalis incisa) in Freshkills Park. Abby, Melody, and Matt met with Jose Ramirez-Garofalo (Chief Science Officer, Freshkills Park Alliance and Director, Freshkills Biological Station) and his colleagues to determine the extent of the patch. Luckily, restoration projects have been successfully underway there and appear to have reduced the species’ abundance so far. During their visit, they also noted the presence of Asian jumpseed (Persicaria filiformis) in the area.
Ending the month on a fun note, the team worked with Carlos Morantes Ariza and the Nassau County Water and Soil Conservation District to transplant white water lilies (Nymphaea odorata) at Twin Lakes Preserve in Wantagh as part of Carlos’ ecological research. This project examines competition between the native water lily and invasive water chestnut (Trapa natans) in restoration settings. They will revisit later in the season and look forward to learning how the lilies interact with water chestnut.
Thanks to all of LIISMA’s collaborators who made this month’s field work possible!
