Staff Transitions
Abby Marino, currently Conservation Area Manager, will take on the role of Program Manager on May 12. Abby comes to this role with four years of experience at LIISMA, and prior experience at the New York Invasive Species Research Institute. She will graduate with a Master of Science in Energy and Environmental Management from the University of Connecticut in December 2025. Abby is excited to carry forward the great work LIISMA has underway to reduce the threat of invasive species, build strong partnerships, and support the growth of the LIISMA team.
Kassidy Robinson, currently Field Project and Outreach Manager, will take on the role of Conservation Area Manager in May. She brings two years of experience with LIISMA and prior work with local and upstate conservation organizations, managing invasive species, engaging the community, and practicing land stewardship. Kassidy is excited to apply her experiences to protect Long Island’s highest quality natural areas in her new role.
Introducing LIISMA’s New Education & Outreach Manager
As current LIISMA team members take on new roles, LIISMA welcomes our new Education and Outreach Manager, Cassandra Moise! We interviewed Cassandra about her experience and new role:
Q: What drew you to the field of invasive species education and outreach?
I was initially drawn to the field of invasive species education and outreach during my time with the New York State Department of Agriculture, where I served as an Assistant Horticultural Inspector II. My role involved inspecting trees for signs of damage caused by the Asian Longhorned Beetle. This experience introduced me to the importance of community outreach, and I quickly discovered my passion for engaging with the public.
Through face-to-face interactions, I found immense satisfaction in addressing community members’ concerns and informing them about critical issues affecting our local environment. The moments when I see the lightbulb go on in my audience’s eyes is truly fulfilling. It is rewarding to educate individuals about invasive species and their impact on ecosystems while fostering their sense of personal responsibility toward protecting our natural environment. My commitment to education and outreach continues to grow, and I am excited to contribute further to LIISMA’s initiatives.
Q: What excites you most about joining the LIISMA team?
I am incredibly excited to be joining the LIISMA team! I look forward to working on meaningful conservation projects that will have a tangible impact on our local environment. I am particularly eager to contribute in educating the public about preventing the spread of invasive species and working alongside a team dedicated to reducing their threat and preserving Long Island’s biodiversity. I believe that raising public awareness is vital in promoting community engagement, and I am excited to help motivate people to take action as a part of LIISMA.
Q: Tell us about a favorite project you’ve worked on in the past.
One project that particularly stands out occurred during my time with the New York State Department of Agriculture. We developed a “Beetle Detective” educational summer series in partnership with public libraries throughout Long Island. The initiative educated children about the Asian Longhorned Beetle, including its origins, ecological impacts, and how they could help eradicate it from the Long Island region. What made it especially rewarding was observing how excited the children were to share their newfound knowledge with their families. They became advocates for our cause, helping to spread awareness to adults, including their parents, and strengthening our outreach efforts.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish in your first year as EO Manager?
In my first year as Education and Outreach Manager at LIISMA, I hope to explore several ideas to advance our mission. Initially, my focus will be on getting up to speed; I plan to spend time understanding our current educational programs and materials and meeting with my team to learn from their experience. In terms of key initiatives, I am excited to continue promoting our digital presence and online resources to make information more accessible and to develop engaging new educational materials highlighting the importance of choosing native plants. To measure our impact at outreach events, I hope to establish a system to track engagement and feedback. Ultimately, in my first year, I aim to work with my team to increase public awareness of invasive species issues and gain more support from individuals and groups for LIISMA’s conservation goals.
Q: Do you have a favorite native plant or natural place on Long Island?
As someone passionate about the outdoors, I would have to say Avalon Nature Preserve in Stony Brook is one of my favorite natural places on Long Island. Avalon is truly a gem, offering diverse landscapes of woodlands, ponds, open fields, and garden areas that beautifully blend nature and art. It’s inspiring to see a place that is actively managed to protect native flora and provide a haven for pollinators and native ground nesting birds. While it’s hard to pick my favorite plant, I have to go with the Black Gum (Tupelo) tree, Nyssa sylvatica. During the fall, its vibrant shades of red truly take your breath away and bring the feeling of autumn home. I look forward to discovering new favorites during my time here.
Q: How can people get involved with LIISMA’s outreach and education work?
There are several ways people can get involved with LIISMA’s outreach and education work, whether they have a little or a lot of time to give. Consider becoming a LIISMA volunteer; volunteers are the backbone of many of our efforts. Using programs like iMapinvasives or iNaturalist to report invasive species sightings is a great way to aid in data collection and early detection efforts. Lastly, simply talking to friends, family, and neighbors about what you’ve learned about LIISMA’s work can have a significant ripple effect. Sharing our social media posts, newsletters, and resources helps us reach a wider audience.
Congratulating Bill Jacobs on his Retirement
LIISMA Program Manager, Bill Jacobs, is retiring on May 9 after 35 years in conservation and several years with LIISMA. On behalf of the LIISMA community, we would like to congratulate Bill on his retirement and thank him for his role in shaping LIISMA from its creation as one of the first PRISMs in 2001 to now. Bill looks forward to continuing conservation work through the Saint Kateri Conservation Center, an organization he founded to promote faith, integral ecology, and the diversity of life. Thank you for all that you’ve done with LIISMA and the community wishes you the best in your retirement!