My son, wise beyond his years it would seem, taught me an invaluable lesson when he was a teenager living at home. Any time I got worked into a froth about a broken car, leaky roof or other serious, but non-cataclysmic setback, he’d put things in perspective for me: “Pops, it could always be worse – you could be on fire.” [Read more…] about Giant ‘Murder’ Hornets: Great News About Bad News
Invasive Species
Report Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses this Winter
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has reminded the public to watch for and report signs of the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF). [Read more…] about Report Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses this Winter
Lake George Invasive Species Infestation Update
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and partners are reporting that they have completed this year’s treatment to control and prevent the spread of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) on New York State “Forever Wild” Forest Preserve lands at Lake George in Washington County, as part of an ongoing, multi-year effort.
DEC confirmed the HWA infestation in August. The affected hemlock trees were located in the Glen Island Campground on the shore of Lake George, along the shoreline of Shelving Rock Special Management Area, at the Buck Mountain Trailhead, and on Dome Island. [Read more…] about Lake George Invasive Species Infestation Update
Spotted Lanternfly Look-Alikes
The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a pesky invasive pest that feeds on lots of important New York plants, such as apple trees and hop vines.
With the recent finding of spotted lanternfly (SLF) on Staten Island, it’s never been more important for people to be on the lookout for this invasive. Since SLF spreads primarily through human activity, we really can make a difference. [Read more…] about Spotted Lanternfly Look-Alikes
Invasive Species Survey Efforts Help Protect NY Waters
DEC’s aquatic invasive species team has been coordinating surveys to detect and map invasive species in New York State’s waters. Surveys help to better understand invasive species infestations and inform DEC’s management efforts. [Read more…] about Invasive Species Survey Efforts Help Protect NY Waters
October National Firewood Awareness Month
Many people take wood from their properties as they head out to camp, hunt, or enjoy the great outdoors, but most don’t realize their wood may be hiding the eggs, larvae, spores, adults, or even seeds of invasive threats.
Transporting infested firewood allows invasives to spread further and faster than these pests could or would have on their own. [Read more…] about October National Firewood Awareness Month
Grants Available for Lake Champlain Basin Projects
The Lake Champlain Basin Program has announced they are seeking proposals for projects that improve water quality and ecosystems in the Lake Champlain watershed. The Program anticipates awarding more than $400,000 to local organizations, municipalities, and educational institutions. [Read more…] about Grants Available for Lake Champlain Basin Projects
250 Acres, More Than A Mile Of Lake George Shoreline Infected With Hemlock Pest
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), which confirmed an invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) infestation at Lake George in August, says that the infestation affects nearly 250 acres and 1.5 miles of shoreline on Forest Preserve lands in the towns of Dresden and Fort Ann, Washington County.
The affected hemlocks are located along in the busy Glen Island Campground area of the Narrows, including Glen Island and camping areas on the eastern shoreline. This is the second known infestation of HWA in the Adirondacks; an earlier infestation is believed to have been brought under control at the summit of Prospect Mountain, reached by the Prospect Mountain Veteran Memorial Highway, just outside Lake George Village.
[Read more…] about 250 Acres, More Than A Mile Of Lake George Shoreline Infected With Hemlock Pest
Northern Snakehead Sightings In The Delaware River
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has encouraged anglers in the Delaware River to be on the lookout for northern snakehead, an invasive fish native to Southeast Asia.
A northern snakehead was recently caught in the Callicoon area of the Delaware River. Given the right environmental conditions, this invasive species can prey on and compete with other fish, upsetting the natural balance of local ecosystems. [Read more…] about Northern Snakehead Sightings In The Delaware River
Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! Sets Sail on Lake Champlain
The Lake Champlain Basin Program and the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center teamed up with local artist Nikki Laxar to showcase the message Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! on a 420 sailing dinghy that will be featured on the Burlington, VT waterfront for the next three years.
Lake Champlain is host to 51 non-native and invasive species. [Read more…] about Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! Sets Sail on Lake Champlain