By Melody Penny, Invasive Species Technician 1, LIISMA
On April 7, 2022, the Long Island Invasive Species Management Area (LIISMA) and the Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI) hosted their third biennial symposium, this one titled “Resilient Long Island.” This was the first of its kind being jointly hosted by both organizations. The event proved to be a great success, with special thanks to LIISMA’s Invasive Species Field Project and Outreach Coordinator, Abigail Bezrutczyk, for coordinating and organizing the event, alongside Program Manager Bill Jacobs, and Invasive Species Specialist Haley Gladitsch, as well as many thanks to the other LIISMA and LINPI staff and volunteers.
The event took place online as a Zoom Events webinar that hosted 177 attendees, 21 speakers, and 11 sponsors. Additionally, we hosted two keynote speakers, biologist, pollinator conservationist and award winning author Heather Holm, and the Director of Horticulture at the Native Plant Trust, Uli Lorimer. The collective goal of this event was to foster an education and awareness to the public of the growing threats surrounding biodiversity loss, climate change, and ecosystem regulation.
First on the list of topics was “Protecting Our Ecosystems.” Chief Ecologist at the New York Natural Heritage Program, Greg Edinger kicked off the day with his presentation, “Ecosystems of Greatest Risk on Long Island.” Edinger has led projects for over 25 years classifying, mapping, documenting, and taking inventory of natural communities across New York State. His presentation highlighted the complex ecological features located on Long Island and the biological threats they face. He made particular note of the Long Island Central Pine Barrens Preserve, detailing several ecological communities and their shared stressors, especially those posed by invasive species, such as the highly invasive southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis).
Next up was Senior Ecologist for the Natural Areas Conservancy, Helen Forgione, with her presentation, “Frameworks for Forest and Wetland Management in New York City.” Forgione supervises research that advances the science and practice of managing urban natural areas, as well as the watershed supply and ecological upland and wetland restorations. Her presentation highlighted assessments taken to determine the site conditions of the city’s 7,300 acres of natural areas. The data concluded that while much of the forest canopy and midstory are composed of natives, nearly half of what is found on the understory is considered to be invasive. Long-term management strategies are being set forth with goals to implement a comprehensive management system that provides recreation, volunteer opportunities, and green jobs.
Invasive Species Specialist and Project Ecologist for GEI Consultants, Luke Gervase, gave his presentation, “Perennial Pepperweed at West Meadow Beach.” Gervase explained the long-term effects that Perennial Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) has on ecosystems through acting as a “salt pump” that creates an unfavorable environment for other plants and animals in the area that are not used to the salinity in the water or soil. He detailed that the highly invasive plant prefers the upper end of a tidal wetland and that its strong rhizomatous root system is its primary means of reproduction.
Following this, we had our first breakout session of the day, which included topics “Case Studies in Native Restoration and Invasive Species Management” and “Restoration Solutions.” Both focused on case studies in invasive species management, habitat distribution, and soil remediation techniques while providing examples of the way organizations work to achieve resiliency in their local ecoregions.
The first subtopic in “Case Studies in Native Restoration and Invasive Species Management” was presented by Nancy Pau, Biologist at the Parker National Wildlife Refuge, and Hannah Grinnell’s presentation, “Pepperweed Control in the Great Marsh, MA.” Grinnell, an Environmental Studies student, accompanied Pau in developing innovative restoration techniques to ensure that the refuge’s coastal habitats can adapt to become more resilient to climate change, while building a community based stewardship effort to control perennial pepperweed. They detailed the timeline of pepperweed control that has been implemented by staff and volunteers to manage over 3,000 data point locations surveyed, as well as youth-led efforts supporting community outreach and climate awareness.
Next, Horticulturist Heather Coste presented, “Resiliency in a Reclaimed Landscape,” highlighting the efforts to remediate Breezy Island at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum in East Islip. We learned that the human-made island was originally planted with a mix of native and non native plants. Over the years following, the site became overtaken by invasives that threatened the varying micro ecosystems found there. Heather has worked since 2017 to restore the island to its “natural” habitat by separating native species by ecosystem needs, removing invasives, restoring soil quality, and reducing external inputs.
The final speaker for this topic, the founder of Dropseed Native Landscapes, Anthony Marinello, presented, “Proliferation of Native Species in the Home Landscape and Native Replacements.” Anthony is a native gardener who aims to educate the public on the benefits that native plants have on local food webs, that insects are specific to their host plants, and that native plants provide resilience through evolution. He elaborated that invasive species reproduce away from human cultivation, colonizing our natural areas and providing little to no ecosystem services, thus severing the food web at its source.
The second major topic in our first breakout session was “Restoration Solutions.” The first subtopic, “Restoring Nature in the Concrete Jungle,” was presented by Assistant Professor of Ecology Evolution and Natural Resources at Rutgers University, Dr. Myla Aronson. Her research focuses on the patterns of ecological and social drivers of biodiversity in urban landscapes. Her group conducted a case study of 144 cities and concluded that cities are novel ecosystems harboring a mix of native species. She established that nature is important in these spaces because it serves to regulate ecosystem abnormalities such as flooding, water pollution, temperature, air pollution regulation and habitat resilience. She concluded that we can increase biodiversity through increasing ecological connection, matrix quality, habitat diversity, and native plant vegetation.
Sustainability and Resilience Manager, Dr. Jessica Price, led “Long Island Solar Roadmap: Advancing Low Impact Solar in Suffolk and Nassau Counties.” Dr. Price served previously as the Renewable Energy Strategy Lead for The Nature Conservancy in New York. There, she worked to advance climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, including leading the creation of the Long Island Solar Roadmap. Their vision hopes to implement rapid development of solar power on Long Island and expand regional access to solar energy. The Nature Conservancy conducted a case study in which low impact sites were mapped out for mid-to-large scale solar installations to develop a set of cohesive strategies in which to lower the local governmental barriers in developing these sites.
Lastly we had Professor of Soil Science and Turfgrass Management at Farmingdale State College, Dr. Nicholas Menchyk, who presented, “Managing Soil for Natives, While Mitigating Invasives,” where he demonstrated how to map and target soil testing, the effects of chemical control on soil, best management practices, and invasive control options. He elaborated that soil provides nutrient support to plants, controls water flow, filters and protects groundwater supply, stores carbon, and provides a habitat for biodiversity. He noted that there are many disturbed environments on Long Island that defy classification because they are dense and highly compacted with coarse textures, elevated pH levels, and high traces of salt and nutrient concentrations.
Our first keynote speaker, Biologist, Pollinator Conservationist, and award winning author, Heather Holm, gave her presentation, “Creating and Managing Landscapes for Native Bees.” Holm’s expertise includes the interactions between native pollinators and native plants. She researches the natural history and biology of native bees and predatory wasps occurring in the Upper Midwest and Northeast regions. Holm’s presentation highlighted factors that determine species types, efficacy as pollinators, typical nesting habitats, and life cycles. She stated that common keystone host plants help diversify species and provide critical shelter and habitat for one or more life cycles of these beneficial insects. Holm encourages providing pollinator-friendly gardens that mimic natural processes, incorporating leaf litter, standing dead trees, and natural weed suppression.
Following this, our Poster Slam allowed viewers the opportunity to connect with researchers and local organizations to visualize the work they do. Seven speakers gave presentations whose posters highlighted the topics of resilience and looking forward in our landscapes. Speakers included SUNY Stony Brook PhD student, Ashley Morris, graduate Research Assistant from the NYSDEC Fate Syewoangnuan, Biologist from the Town of Hempstead, Chris Smith, NYSDEC Research Scientist, Dr. Steve Pearson, Landscape Ecologist, Amanda Furcall, Conservation Policy Advocate of Seatuck, Emily Hall, and Ashley Crespo of Nelson Pope Voorhis.
Next, we had the Climate Change midday discussion. First to speak was Research Ecologist for the USDA Forest Service, Dr. Lindsey Rustad, who presented, “Of Peril and Hope: Reflections on 30 Years of Climate Change Research.” She explained that atmospheric CO2 levels are rising at record levels and that by 2100, we may see up to an 8.1℉ global temperature increase. This increase will result in heat trapping gasses, melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, acidification of oceans, and intensifying storms. We will see impacts on the biosphere including increased endangered species, total extinction, civil unrest, climate migrations, and likely armed conflict. We will need to adapt our natural systems while improving food, water, and energy security. Similarly, we will need to establish new infrastructure and public policy to meet these new climate norms.
Following was Chairperson of the Department of Urban Horticulture and Design at Farmingdale State College, Dr. Jonathan Lehrer’s presentation, “The Shifting Sands: Climate Change and Plant Distribution.” Lehrer’s teachings focus on the diversity of ornamental plants and the contemporary challenges that seek to alter the palette of functional landscape species. His presentation explains indisputable changes that affect plant distribution and more changes we can expect going forward, and centered on cold and heat hardiness and why the alterations of these zones in recent decades are a direct result of climate change. He explained that as temperatures continue to rise in southern regions, we will see native species distribution retreat northward as species become stressed in the southern parts of their range. In turn we will see the increased movement of invasive species and the displacement of many of our own native species.
Our second breakout session of the day included the topics “Strategies for Invasive Species” and “Natives and Invasives in Horticulture from Backyard to Landscapes.” Both groups strategized the ways in which we can contribute towards the effort to better manage our landscapes by means of direct management, education, action, social involvement and environmental policy.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Long Island Weed Science Specialist, Dr. Andy Senesac, presented the first subtopic in “Strategies for Invasive Species” with “Herbicides: Choosing and Using the Right One for the Job.” Senesac’s major areas of research include developing weed management strategies for commercial horticultural crop production, landscape, and turf. His program embraces an integrated pest management approach that includes investigating herbicides alongside the biological and cultural approaches to weed management. His presentation focused on encouraging the correct research behind which herbicides are best suited and registered for their corresponding plant species via utilization of the DEC’s online informational portal for the Bureau of Pesticide Management.
Next was Mitch O’Neill with “Empowering Community Scientists and Directing Volunteer Survey Efforts to Facilitate the Early Detection of High Priority Invasive Species.” O’Neill serves as a User Support Specialist for iMapInvasives, New York Natural Heritage Program’s collaborative invasive species database. He provides training and support to users of iMapInvasives and works with a variety of individuals and organizations to promote its use as the centralized invasive species database and reporting tool in New York. He highlighted how community scientists can become involved in monitoring for pests through claiming grid squares to monitor for species such as spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). He concluded that community-based scientific efforts offer concrete help for monitoring new pests and ensuring better collaboration between agencies, conservation partners, and database managers.
Following this, Tick Entomologist for the Suffolk County Department of Public Works, Moses Cucura, presented, “Vegetation Management and Tick Control,” where he illustrated the varying types of tick species found on Long Island and how to better identify and manage them. He examines emerging tick management strategies and products through locally held field efficacy trials and provides technical assistance to entities interested in tick management. Moses aims to implement an area wide tick mitigation program within Suffolk County Parks to assess the feasibility and functional potential for a municipality based tick control program.
The second concurrent session was “Natives and Invasives in Horticulture from Backyard to Landscapes.” Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick of Pinelands Nursery in Columbus, New Jersey, led with their presentation “Bring on the Bugs! The Importance of Native Plants & How to Get Your Neighbors on Board,” where they overviewed the typical plant palettes among property owners, and how these combined with the heavy use of chemical treatment contributes to a loss of biodiversity on the island. Both collaborated their skills and passion for podcasting to create the “Native Plants Healthy Planet” podcast where they work collaboratively to educate property owners on active and passive techniques to become leaders in sustainable landscaping.
Plant Community Ecologist, Dr. Anthony Cullen presented, “The Great Garden Escape – Exploring the Role of Horticulture in the Spread of Invasive Viburnums.” Cullen focuses on invasive species and employs an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates spatial modeling and landscape genetics with field based ecology experiments. His presentation highlighted invasive viburnum species linden viburnum (Viburnum dilatatum) and siebold viburnum (Viburnum sieboldii), and the field studies surrounding the change over time of their genetic variation. Concluding, that despite similar invasion timelines, V. dilatatum are diversifying, more widely adapting as populations are expanding and recovering despite varying management practices, while V. sieboldii are not experiencing the same diversification.
Lastly, Ecologist and Senior Scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Plymouth, MA, Chris Neill, presented, “The Science Behind Yard Management to Increase Plant, Insect and Bird Biodiversity.” He studies the consequences of deforestation, and expanding agriculture in the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest and works with land managers to restore biodiversity management to grasslands, shrublands and coastal wetlands. He collaborates on a national project that examines how homeowners manage their yards, including how this influences the ecological functions of yards in neighborhoods. He summarized that wildlife friendly, water conserving yards are crucial to preserving biodiversity, and that humans are the primary driving factor behind a lack of habitat resilience in residential landscapes.
Our final keynote speaker was Director of the Horticulture Native Plant Trust, Uli Lorimer, as he presented on, “How Local is Local Enough?” His presentation highlighted that genetic diversity is closely tied to provenance, and that ecotypic plants of a known provenance are adapted to source conditions of a particular region such as drainage, soil, and climate change, as well as the localized species that depend on them. He explained that species have orchestrated pollinator relationships that are heavily adapted to one another and the primary issue surrounding a lack of native plants is a lack of distribution in the nursery industry, which would require greater education and demand among homeowners to overcome.
This concluded the 21 speakers that headlined our 2022 LIISMA-LINPI Resilient Long Island Symposium in which the common theme was addressed: as a community of researchers, environmental stewards, and property owners, we share a common responsibility to encourage landscape resiliency to mitigate the effects of climate change, habitat displacement, and biodiversity loss. The collective goal of this event was to foster an education and awareness of these impending issues while providing solutions to these environmental problems while it is still manageable. LIISMA would like to extend a special thanks to all who coordinated to make this event possible as well as an extra special thanks to our sponsors listed below.
Major funding for the symposium was provided by the New York Environmental Protection Fund, as administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
