DEC is encouraging New York pool owners to participate in their annual Asian Longhorned Beetle Swimming Pool Survey. This is the time of year when Asian longhorned beetles (ALB) emerge as adults and are most active outside of their host tree. [Read more…] about Pool Owners Sought for Citizen Science Survey
Invasive Species
Invasive Knotweed, Milfoil Webinars Set
Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District and Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program have announced two upcoming webinars focused on Aquatic Invasive Species. [Read more…] about Invasive Knotweed, Milfoil Webinars Set
Comptroller Audit Highlights Invasive Species Challenges
According to an audit released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) needs to improve efforts to control invasive species such as zebra mussels, hydrilla and giant hogweed that have established footholds across New York state and threaten native species, agriculture and tourism, [Read more…] about Comptroller Audit Highlights Invasive Species Challenges
Check In On Your Trees This Summer
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has encouraged the public to do a seasonal check-in on trees in their yard or on their street. [Read more…] about Check In On Your Trees This Summer
In The Dirt: Earthworms and Drought
Hit and miss rain showers and scattered thunderstorms have provided much of the precipitation over the New York State during this past month.
This has allowed some locations to maintain an adequate level of soil moisture while causing conditions in other places to become especially dry. [Read more…] about In The Dirt: Earthworms and Drought
Adirondack Park Boat Inspections Rise 25% Over 2019
Adirondack Watershed Stewards have reported a 25% increase in the number of watercraft inspections at Adirondack boat launches compared with this time last year.
The Adirondack Region had already been experiencing increased tourism even before the current pandemic. This summer’s excellent weather has given a further boost to visitor numbers, even as the closed border keeps Canadian tourists home. [Read more…] about Adirondack Park Boat Inspections Rise 25% Over 2019
Meddling With Nature: The Acclimatization Movement and Central Park Starlings
European starlings are one of the most common bird species in the United States. They are known for their stunning aerial displays (murmerations), but many observers consider them a curse.
Starlings aggressively compete for the nesting places of native birds; they can damage crops (grapes, olives, cherries, grain) and spread disease; they can mess up the environment and be a threat to aviation. The story of invasive starlings is part of a wider narrative that reflects both the ambitions and fears of the Victorian era. [Read more…] about Meddling With Nature: The Acclimatization Movement and Central Park Starlings
Fishhook Waterflea Infesting Lake Champlain
Boaters returning from the waters of Lake Champlain at Shelburne Bay have reported large quantities of invasive fishhook waterflea fouling their fishing lines.
First identified in Lake Champlain in 2018, masses of fishhook waterfleas began to appear on the 20th of June this year, as observed by trained Lake Champlain boat launch stewards.
No known control methods exist to eliminate fishhook or spiny waterflea once established in a water body. Efforts now focus on preventing the spread of this species to other bodies of water in the region. [Read more…] about Fishhook Waterflea Infesting Lake Champlain
Identify Giant Hogweed, Then Avoid It
Giant hogweed plants are beginning to bloom across many parts of the state, making it a prime time to spot this harmful invasive. Giant hogweed is a large, flowering plant from Eurasia with sap that can cause painful burns and scarring. [Read more…] about Identify Giant Hogweed, Then Avoid It
Asian Giant Hornet – Fact vs Fiction
Since the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) was first detected in Washington state in December of 2019, it has been hard to miss the eye-catching headlines about this species.
With so much news out there, we want to make it easy for you and break down the facts about this much-buzzed-about species: [Read more…] about Asian Giant Hornet – Fact vs Fiction