Last summer, SLELO and partners took action against a fanwort infestation in Mexico, NY. There is concern that plant fragments could pass through a dam, spreading from the infested pond to Black Creek, the Little Salmon River, and eventually Eastern Lake Ontario. To raise awareness, we’ve sent mailers to property owners along Black Creek and the Little Salmon River, urging them to monitor for fanwort. Additionally, participants in our Water Protectors program have been encouraged to adopt these waterbodies to track and report sightings.

Learn More about the fanwort infestation and how you can help.

Learn how climate-smart gardening can help stop invasive species, protect native plants, and build a resilient landscape in the SLELO region.

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Partners met at the Watertown Flower Memorial Library in April. The meeting summary is available on our website.

What: Manual removal of invasive plants. 

When: Kicks off on July 14th, with multiple dates in July and August.

Where: Multiple locations in Oswego & Jefferson Counties. 

Details: No experience is needed, and tools will be provided.

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Protect Waters

This opportunity is best for those who enjoy spending time on the water or who own waterfront property. Participants adopt a waterbody to monitor for the presence of aquatic invasive species and report observations to NYiMapInvasives. Training and resources are available.

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Protect Lands

This opportunity is best for those who enjoy hiking, spending time in forests or who own land. Participants take a training to learn to recognize and report priority invasive species to NYiMapInvasives, and survey their favorite hiking trails or forested areas.

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Assist an emerald ash borer biocontrol monitoring program occurring on Wednesdays at 10 AM from June 4th through September 10th at the SUNY Oswego Rice Creek Field Station. No experience is necessary, and guidance will be given.

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Who: Anyone of any age

What: Create art using any medium surrounding an invasive species theme. 

When: Exhibits to be displayed June 14th, 2025

Where: Oneida County Public Market. @ Union Station, 321 Main St. Utica, NY (behind the train station).

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Learn of events and volunteer opportunities hosted by our partners, as well as, SLELO offerings. Win prizes by participating!

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Kicking off June 25th is the biggest iMapping challenge of the year! Prizes will be given to those with the highest observations (presence or not detected) for priority species. The PRISM region with the most records for select species will also get a trophy!

• Kick-Off Webinar Registration

Events teach students about the St. Lawrence River ecosystem through hands-on activities and expert presentations, including insights from SLELO-PRISM on invasive species. Each session features guided boat tours with partners like the Antique Boat Museum and Clayton Island Tours.