FIVE actions to stop invasive species
Map invasive species
We need your help to know where invasive species are, and where they aren't. No matter your level of knowledge, you can make a difference, and learn a lot along the way!
Great! We recommend you try the free apps Seek or iNaturalist. Both available for iPhone and Android.
With Seek, you can use the power of image recognition technology to identify the plants and animals all around you. Earn badges for seeing different types of birds, amphibians, plants, and fungi and participate in monthly observation challenges. It’s fun, and you can start learning in seconds– no account needed.
iNaturalist is a social network of naturalists, citizen scientists, and biologists built on the concept of mapping and sharing observations of biodiversity across the globe. Upload a photo observation of any plant, animal, or fungi and get an identification with the help of AI, or live experts.
Great idea! You can share your knowledge with your kids, or try the free app, Seek.
With Seek, you can use the power of image recognition technology to identify the plants and animals all around you. Earn badges for seeing different types of birds, amphibians, plants, and fungi and participate in monthly observation challenges. It’s fun, and you can start learning in seconds– no account needed. Privacy settings are available as well.
iNaturalist seems like the place for you!
iNaturalist is a social network of naturalists, citizen scientists, and biologists built on the concept of mapping and sharing observations of biodiversity across the globe. Upload a photo observation of any plant, animal, or fungi and get an identification with the help of AI, or live experts.
With those skills, you should sign up for iMapInvasives.
iMapInvasives is an online, GIS-based data management system used to assist citizen scientists and natural resource professionals working to protect our natural resources from the threat of invasive species.
- What’s good: You can enter observations of invasive species in the app.
- What’s better: You can enter when you did NOT find an invasive species. These “not detected” records are very important to our work.
- What’s best: You! Thanks for your help!
Fantastic! iMapInvasives links with other GIS-based apps from ESRI to make this possible.
If you’re interested in this, please contact us and we’ll find the right set-up for you.
We appreciate your dedication to mapping invasive species!
By becoming a volunteer confirmer, you can assist LIISMA in confirming some of the records that are sent into iMapInvasives.
If you’d like to become a confirmer, learn more about confirming iMap records here, and email us so we can help you get started.
Plant Native
- Grow plants native to Long Island to support pollinators and other native wildlife.
- Avoid non-native plants that self-seed because they have the potential to move outside of your garden.
- Use mulch that has been kiln-dried or make your own mulch to prevent introductions to your backyard.
- Rinse the roots of transplanted plants and remove affixed soil prior to planting in your garden to avoid spreading invasive worms.
- Take care of plant parts before composting: bag, tarp, dry, chip, or drown plant parts to ensure invasive plants do not take root. Ensure the pile has 30 days of exposure to temperatures of 145 degrees or more to kill seeds from tougher weed species.
Shop smarter
- Familiarize yourself with the prohibited invasive species list.
- Do not buy invasive species, especially over the internet on sites like eBay and Pinterest.
- Report stores that sell prohibited or regulated invasive plants to the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.
- Make a plan for how to dispose of your already purchased invasive pets and plants.
Manage invaders
- Get to know your backyard: What native species can you protect, and what invasive species can you suppress? Set goals and objectives to measure your progress.
- Explore Control Options: What are the root causes for this invasion, and is manual, mechanical, or chemical control the best option to meet your goals?
- Get Help: Consider meeting with a consultant or hiring a contractor to address your invasive species issues.
- Volunteer: Take part in an aquatic invasive species pulls to help keep our waterways clean.
- Tell us your story: Send pictures of your management progress for a chance to be featured on our instagram.
Clean your gear
On Land
Boots, tire treads, and garden tools can easily carry seeds and insect eggs. When you brush your boots and clean your gear before and after outings, you prevent new introductions.
- Don’t move firewood. Don’t bring firewood from home when you camp. Tree-killing bugs can be inside the wood. Instead, buy firewood near the campsite.
- Clean your tools between uses to prevent the spread of plant diseases.
- Check your vehicle and outdoor gear for signs of hitchhiking bugs or egg masses.
On the Water
Boats, paddles, and propellers can transport larvae and plant debris. When you clean, drain, and dry your boat, you stop these aquatic hitchhikers from getting a free ride.
- Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from all equipment before leaving water access
- Drain watercraft bilge, live well, motor, and other water-containing devices before leaving water access.
- Dry everything for at least five days OR wipe with a towel before reuse.
- Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, and fish parts in the trash.
- Do Not Dump unwanted aquarium plants and animals into waterways.
