PRISM. Activities Set for New York s Second Invasive Species Awareness Week, July 12-18

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1 FINGER LAKES PRISM CONTACT PERSON: Hilary R. Mosher ORGANIZATION: Finger Lakes - Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management TELEPHONE NUMBER: (315) Invasive species are on the move; everyone can help to stop their spread Activities Set for New York s Second Invasive Species Awareness Week, July GENEVA, NY This year marks the second Invasive Species Awareness Week in New York State. Last year over 100 invasive species activities occurred throughout the state and this year the Finger Lakes region is poised and ready with a lineup of even more great activities and events to mark the occasion. Some of the greatest harm to our environment and agricultural systems is caused by invasive plants and animals organisms that have been accidentally or intentionally introduced to new areas and spread uncontrollably. Invasive Species Awareness Week promotes opportunities for citizens to learn about the most threatening species and ways to prevent and manage their spread. Everyone is encouraged to participate in Awareness Week activities to learn about important steps to take to protect their favorite places. Most invasive species reproduce in high numbers, lack predators, and are highly adapted to their new environment. Invasive plants and animals put New York s agricultural lands, natural resources, and people at risk. The emerald ash borers and Asian long-horned beetles kill our important trees; noxious plants, such as giant hogweed, and disease organisms, such as West Nile virus, affect human health; and Japanese stilt grass, swallow-wort vine, phragmites and Hydrilla are invasive plants capable of changing New York s forests, meadows, wetlands and lakes. Invasive species can be spread unknowingly through activities such as a gardeners plant swap, dumping a bait bucket, or moving firewood to a campsite. Citizens can help manage and control invasive species; they often are the first line of defense in reporting new infestations, such as observing and reporting signs and symptoms of forest-pest damage, and in participating in the removal of invasive plants. Many organizations are working together throughout the state to slow the spread of invasive species. Stop the invasion. Protect New York from invasive species, is the state s invasive species slogan. Citizens can help by: 1) taking measures to prevent the transport of unwanted hitchhiking plants and animals, 2) learning about which invasive species are of local concern (fingerlakesinvasives.org), 3) reporting sightings to Additionally, there are ten ways for organizations to TAKE ACTION during New York Invasive Species Awareness Week. These include: 1. Post invasive species news on your website 2. Include invasive species news in a newsletter 3. Send an , blog post, or tweet to members 4. Schedule an invasive species presentation during the week 5. Host an invasive species training session 6. Lead or join an invasive species control project 7. Showcase an invasive species display 8. Organize an invasive species mailing 9. Post an invasive species message on a sign or marquee 10. Create a public service announcement Citizens can take additional ACTION during NY Invasive Species Awareness Week through the following activities: 1. Do research to learn more about invasive species 2. Attend a training to learn how to identify or manage invasive species

3. Check your property for signs and symptoms of invasive species 4. Control invasive species on your property 5. Help to track and map invasive species on public lands 6.

2 3. Check your property for signs and symptoms of invasive species 4. Control invasive species on your property 5. Help to track and map invasive species on public lands 6. Participate in an invasive species control project 7. Tell a friend or neighbor about invasive species 8. Talk to your elected officials about invasive species solutions 9. Visit a garden, park, or nature center and learn about native plants, trees, and wildlife 10. Take an Invasive Species Pledge to prevent the spread of invasive species The line-up of events in the Finger Lakes region includes interactive activities such as an invasive species trail walk, Hydrilla Task Force public update meeting and water chestnut pulls. The full schedule of events is online at and fingerlakesinvasives.org. Most events are free, but pre-registration may be requested. New York Invasive Species Awareness Week is coordinated by the New York Invasive Species Advisory Committee, New York Invasive Species Council and Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management. The Finger Lakes PRISM is one of eight Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) in the state sponsoring Awareness Week activities. Hobart and William Smith Colleges are one of the eight sponsors. For further information about FL-PRISM, visit fingerlakesinvasives.org. Invasive Species Awareness Week Events: AuroraFest Description: The AuroraFest takes place in the Village of Aurora, along Cayuga Lake in New York. A FABULOUS event takes place every year on the second Saturday in July. It kicks off on Friday Night with a Blessing of the Boats BBQ with a Live Band along the shores of Cayuga Lake & a Battle of the Bands at Wells College on Friday Night. Saturday kicks off with a Fun Run (1 mile and 2 miles), Swim from Dock to Dock, then Blessing of the Boats, followed by Taste of Aurora, then a Parade through the Village, to the REAL LIVE Jousting, to Kid s Games (including a Pie Eating Contest), to a Wonderful night filled with Live Music, Beer sold by the Fire Department & Food by the Mason s and one of the best Fireworks shows around. The Cayuga Lake Watershed Network (CLWN) will provide invasive species outreach and tabling at the event, including hydrilla displays! Registration: No registration required! More info at: Event Date: Saturday and Sunday, July 11 & 12, 2015 Event Location: Village of Aurora, N.Y. Dragon Boat Festival Description: The Finger Lakes Dragon Boat Festival promotes, educates, and celebrates Asian and Asian American cultures and heritage through dragon boat racing and festival activities. The Festival is sponsored and hosted by the Ithaca Asian American Association (IAAA). IAAA is a volunteer-based organization and home of the Ithaca Dragon Boat Club. The Festival upholds one of the three IAAA missions: promote, educate, and celebrate Asian and Asian American heritage and cultures. Invasive species outreach and education will be provided at the event by the Hydrilla Task Force of the Cayuga Lake Watershed, Cayuga Lake Watershed Network, and the Cayuga Lake Floating Classroom! Registration: More Info: fingerlakesdragonboat.org/ Event Date: Saturday, July 11, 2015 (not during ISAW, but a great event nonetheless!) Event Location: Cass Park (Ithaca, N.Y.)

Water Chestnut Pull Description: The Montezuma Alliance for the Restoration of Species and Habitats (MARSH) is part of a larger effort to restore, protect, and enhance wildlife habitat on nearly

Work side by side with NYSDEC Wildlife Biologists and other like-minded individuals to make Montezuma a better place for birds and other wildlife. Bring your own canoe/kayak or borrow one from us.

3 Water Chestnut Pull Description: The Montezuma Alliance for the Restoration of Species and Habitats (MARSH) is part of a larger effort to restore, protect, and enhance wildlife habitat on nearly 50,000 acres of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. Volunteers will hand pull Water Chestnut from the Seneca River in canoes/kayaks. Work side by side with NYSDEC Wildlife Biologists and other like-minded individuals to make Montezuma a better place for birds and other wildlife. Bring your own canoe/kayak or borrow one from us. Lunch will be provided. Paddling experience preferred. Registration: Space is limited and registration is required. Call (315) or montezuma@audubon.org. Event Dates: Saturday, July 11, 9 AM 1 PM (not technically during ISAW, but a great kick-off!) Wednesday, July 15, 9 AM 1 PM Saturday, July 18, 9 AM 1 PM Photo credit: Hilary R. Mosher Event Location: Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, N.Y Hydrilla Hunters on the Cayuga Lake Floating Classroom Description: Each cruise will include info on Hydrilla and other invasive species threatening the Finger Lakes, hands-on training (plant sampling collection, identification, and reporting), access to a network of volunteers generating valuable information on the state of our lakes, and time spent on the lake, meeting great people! Registration: To sign up, or find additional dates and locations, see visit or call (607) Event Date: July 13, 8:30-11:30 AM from Ithaca Event Location: Ithaca, N.Y. Invasive Species Trail Walk Description: Join Cornell Cooperative Extension of Yates County for a guided public trail walk to discuss invasive species identification and management along the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail. Discussion will highlight a wild parsnip removal/native plant restoration project that is being conducted by Keuka College and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Yates County with funding from a FL-PRISM sub-contract award. Registration: This event is free but please register in advance: ecs268@cornell.edu Event Date: Monday, July 13, 9 AM 12 PM Event Location: Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, Dresden Trailhead, Dresden, N.Y From Rte. 14: turn onto Main St.; from Rte. 54, simply cross Rte. 14 (Rte. 54 turns into Main St. on the opposite side of Rte. 14). Right onto Seneca St., trailhead is on your right. Invaders at Green Lakes State Park Description: Come meet natural resource stewards at Green Lakes and learn how to identify and remove invasive pants that are harming our parks! Registration: (315) Event Date: July 13, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; and July 14, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Event Location: Green Lakes State Park

Hands-on Aquatic Flora and Fauna Identification Workshop Description: Aquatic invasive species within the Finger Lakes are of huge importance to homeowners, recreationists, and anglers. Dr.

4 Hands-on Aquatic Flora and Fauna Identification Workshop Description: Aquatic invasive species within the Finger Lakes are of huge importance to homeowners, recreationists, and anglers. Dr. Bruce Gilman will take you on a journey through the macrophytes of the Finger Lakes. Special emphasis will be placed on invasive species identification and prevention. Field guides will be available for purchase and used in this hands-on exploration of invasive aquatic plants. Hilary Mosher will provide an overview of imapinvasives and how to map invasives. Registration: Contact Hilary Mosher at mosher@hws.edu to register Event Date: Tuesday, July 14, 10 AM - 2 PM 10-10:30 - invasive species overview 10:30-11:30- sampling techniques and learning to use keys 11:30-12:30 - mapping invasive species using imapinvasives 12: lunch, bring your own sampling and identification Event Location: Ontario County, Woodville Boat Launch Shelter. Bring a canoe or kayak if you have one. There will be some available on a first come, first serve basis. Photo credit: David Cappert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org Invasive Species on the River Description: Aquatic invasive species impact every New Yorker and this informational workshop will showcase some of the more destructive invasive species within the Chemung River, a tributary of the Susquehanna River. Participants will learn about ways to prevent the introduction and spread of invasives and what NYS is doing to reduce the impact of invasives. Registration: Contact Hilary Mosher at mosher@hws.edu to register Event Date: Tuesday, July 14, 11 AM Event Location: Grove Street Boat Launch on the Chemung River in Elmira, N.Y. Plant for Pollinators Description: We will be hosting an informational discussion on the best ways to help promote insect pollinators. Creating and maintaining habitat is the best way to protect pollinators. Increasingly an invasive plant, swallow-wort, is creeping into butterfly habitat causing two main problems. We will discuss the best ways to plant for pollinators and how to protect monarch butterflies by identifying and removing the invasive swallow-wort. Registration: Contact snydert317@gmail.com for more information Event Date: July 14, 5:30-6:15 PM, part of Open Late Tuesday at the Seneca Park Zoo. Event Location: Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, N.Y., Hands-on Terrestrial Flora and Fauna Identification Workshop Description: Terrestrial invasive species are of major concern to land managers, the gardening community, and homeowners. Dr. Bruce Gilman will guide you through the native and non-native organisms of concern in the Finger Lakes region with this tour of Taughannock Falls in picturesque Trumansburg, N.Y. Participants in this 4-hr workshop will leave with the ability to identify the more common native and invasive species in the region and how to prevent introducing new species to areas. imapinvasives will be introduced by Hilary Mosher as a technique to map and identify invasives. Field guides will be available for purchase. Registration: Contact Hilary Mosher at mosher@hws.edu to register Event Date: Wednesday, July 15, 10 AM - 2 PM. Lunch on your own! 10-10:30 - invasive species overview

5 10:30-11:30 - sampling techniques and learning to use keys 11:30-12:30 - mapping invasive species using imapinvasives 12: lunch, bring your own sampling and identification Event Location: Taughannock Falls State Park, Trumansburg, N.Y meet at Creekside Pavilion at the North Point Entrance Protect Cayuga County from Invasive Species! Description: Come learn what invasive species threaten Cayuga County, how to identify them, and what to do if you find them in this interactive program sponsored by Cayuga County Planning, FLLOWPA, and the FL-PRISM Registration: Contact Michele Wunderlich for more information: mwunderlich@cayugacounty.us Event Date: Wednesday, July 15, 6 PM Event Location: 6 th Floor, Cayuga County Office Building, Auburn, N.Y. Managing Ithaca s Invasives Description: The Town of Ithaca s Conservation Board will hold a New York Invasive Species Awareness Week Event on Thursday evening on Ithaca s South Hill near the Town water tank just north of the cul-de-sac at the dead end of Teton Court, near 410 Teton Ct., Ithaca, N.Y Ithaca Conservation Board members will host the field trip, which will be mostly instructive, but also include some removal of swallow wort and garlic mustard as we explain strategies for managing these pests and present a training session, showing how active and attentive management can keep invasives from getting out of control. Registration: Please contact James Hamilton for more information: jameswaldo@bluefrog.com Event Date: Thursday, July 16, 2015 from 6 to 7 PM Event Location: Ithaca s South Hill near the Town water tank just north of the cul-de-sac at the dead end of Teton Court, near 410 Teton Ct., Ithaca, N.Y. Water Chestnut Pull Description: Volunteers will hand pull Water Chestnut from Sodus Bay in canoes/kayaks. Work side by side with other likeminded individuals to make Sodus Bay a better place for birds and other wildlife. Bring your own canoe/kayak and lifevest. Registration: Space is limited and registration is required. Dave Scudder: DScudder@rochester.rr.com Event Date: Saturday, July 18, 9 AM 1 PM Event Location: Sodus Bay - throughout. Pizza to follow! Water Chestnut Pull Description: European water chestnut is an invasive aquatic weed that will cover Braddock Bay in a few years if not kept in check. So bring your kayak, canoe, or bass boat and pole. We will be pulling weeds out of the water, putting them in plastic trash bags or in the boats and taking them to shore. It is work but, a great day on the water. Dress for the weather and to get wet, no cotton clothing please, quick drying synthetics are good. Bring your own kayak, canoe or boat and life preservers. Bring some water we wills supply extra, and lunch. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen bring it. Registration: Call June Summers, with Genesee Valley Audubon Society if you have questions, (585) Event Date: July 18, 9 AM 1 PM Event Location: Meet at the public fish and kayak area in the loop at Braddock Bay Marina, 105 E. Manitou Rd.

6 Conesus Lake Association Craft Fair Highlights Invasives! Description: The Conesus Lake Association will have a table for invasive species as an outreach effort at the Conesus Lake Association Craft Fair. Free Parking Registration: info@conesuslake.org for more information Event Date: Saturday and Sunday July 18 and 19, 10 AM - 5 PM Event Location: On the west shore, where West Lake Rd. (Route 256) intersects Long Point Rd. Invasive Species Outreach at the Ithaca Farmers Market Description: The Ithaca Farmers Market is an owner operated cooperative market with over 160 members, who grow or produce their wares within 30 miles of the pavilion. You ll find a full spread at the market with something for everyone hot prepared foods for those in need of a meal, a full spread of vegetables, fruit, pastured meat, bakeries, and exceptionally crafted artisanal gifts for your loved ones. The Hydrilla Task Force of the Cayuga Lake Watershed will provide invasive species education and outreach at the Ithaca Farmers Market throughout the 2015 treatment season. Come check out their booth! Registration: No registration required. More info: Event Date: Sunday July 19, Invasive species outreach continues through October 2015! Event Location: Ithaca Farmers Market Pavilion (Steamboat Landing rd St. Ithaca, N.Y ).

W I N T E R Wallkill River View. Friends of Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge 1547 County Route 565 Sussex, New Jersey 07461

W I N T E R Wallkill River View. Friends of Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge 1547 County Route 565 Sussex, New Jersey 07461 W I N T E R 2 0 1 4-2 0 1 5 the Wallkill River View Friends of Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge 1547 County Route 565 Sussex, New Jersey 07461 What s New at the Refuge Owens Station is open for