Community News

Outdoor enthusiasts across Oneida, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties are being called to action.

The St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM) is inviting hikers, paddlers, and nature lovers to join their Land Protectors and Water Protectors programs—two immersive learning experiences designed to equip community members with the skills needed to safeguard their favorite outdoor places.

"Your Next Adventure Could Help Save a Trail or Waterway," says Megan Pistolese-Shaw, the SLELO PRISM Education Outreach Coordinator. "Imagine stepping onto your favorite trail or dipping your paddle into a beautiful lake—knowing you have the power to protect it. These programs give participants the tools to identify, survey, and report invasive species, contributing directly to early detection efforts and long-term ecosystem resilience."

Participants can attend one or more of the Land or Water Protectors learning sessions described below; however, joining the webinar training and at least one in-person session of your program of choice is highly recommended to get the full experience. Participants are also invited to adopt a trail or waterbody to monitor for invasive species, aiding early detection efforts throughout the region.

Registration is required to attend. Those interested in attending training sessions for either program should register online at sleloinvasives.org/events or contact the SLELO PRISM Education and Outreach Coordinator at 315-522-1258.

Land Protectors Program

This program provides a full-season learning journey. It is ideal for hikers, forest stewards, and anyone who loves exploring wooded landscapes. Participants gain practical experience surveying forests, identifying threats, while supporting early detection and restoration efforts that strengthen regional ecosystems.

Learning Sessions:

• June 3rd, Kick-off Webinar: foundational program overview, species identification, survey tools, and reporting methods.
• 1 PM- 2:30 PM, via Zoom
• Guided Management Field Sessions: Gain experience with field identification and manual management of invasive species.
• June 11th, 10 AM- 1 PM, Black Pond WMA, Black Pond Access Rd. Henderson, NY
• June 27th, 10 AM- 1 PM, El Dorado Preserve, Grand Jean Rd. Henderson, NY
• July 22nd, 9 AM- 3 PM, Lakeview WMA, Montario Pt. Rd. Ellisburg, NY.
• Guided Survey Sessions: Gain experience identifying, surveying, and reporting beech leaf disease and elm zigzag sawfly.
• June 12th, 10 AM- 12 PM, Salmon River Falls, 185 Falls Rd. Richland, NY.
• June 16th, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Walter Pratt Memorial Park, Old Keenan Rd. Brasher Falls, NY.
• Restoration Plantings: Assist with plantings and learn about restoration efforts.
• October 16th, 9 AM- 2 PM, Deer Creek Marsh WMA, South Rainbow Shores Rd., Pulaski, NY.
• October 17th, 10 AM- 3 PM, El Dorado Preserve, Grand Jean Rd., Henderson, NY.

Water Protectors Program

This program is perfect for paddlers, anglers, and waterfront property owners. It is centered around the Aquatic Invasive Species Learning Experience (AISLE), a three-part blend of virtual and in-person training. Participants gain practical experience surveying for and reporting aquatic invasive species to support region-wide early detection efforts.

Learning Sessions:

• June 10th, Kick-off Webinar: foundational program overview, plant identification, survey tools, and reporting methods.
• 10 AM- 2 PM, via Zoom
• July 10th, In-Person Workshop: hands-on skills development.
• 1 PM- 3 PM, Redwood Hill Preserve,440 Stine Rd., Redwood, NY.
• August 14th, Guided Survey Paddle: real-world monitoring practice.
• 10 AM- 1 PM, Theresa/Hammond, NY, on an Indian River Lake to be determined.

Why Join? Both programs empower participants to:

• Build real-world skills in invasive species identification and management.
• Contribute valuable data to regional conservation strategies.
• Protect the outdoor places they love for future generations.
• Join a community of passionate regional conservation volunteers.

SLELO PRISM encourages anyone who hikes, paddles, or simply enjoys the outdoors to get involved. Your participation can make a measurable difference in the health of local lands and waters.