The Invasives Strike Force (ISF) Crew is a boots-on-the-ground team of AmeriCorps members that is part of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference’s Conservation Corps (TCCC) Program. The ISF collaborates with partners to target high priority invasive species populations throughout the Lower Hudson Valley. In doing so, they help protect our beloved natural areas for generations to come!
Prevention and Early Detection
The Lower Hudson Valley is a hub for people and commerce, and as such is subject to the introduction of new species. Although most introduced non-natives don’t become invasive, prevention of introductions and rapid response of new invasives is critical to environmental health. Through hosting volunteer workdays, the ISF engages the public about invasives ecology and the importance of native biodiversity, encouraging cultural changes towards preventing new introductions. By targeting emerging invasive species, the ISF aims to eradicate them before they can become as widespread as prevalent species like barberry, burning bush, and bittersweet.
Protecting Important Resources
The Lower Hudson Valley boasts culturally and ecologically diverse and rich areas across the region. When these areas are encroached on by invasive species, the ISF steps in. Data on the rare, threatened, and endangered species as well as significant natural habitats is compared with known invasive species population data for targeted management. The ISF also prioritizes projects in areas treasured by Trail Conference volunteers and partners for their recreational, historic, and cultural values.
Volunteer with Us!
Restoration Volunteers work to protect native habitats by removing invasive plants and restoring native habitat across parks in New York. From the Delaware Water Gap to NYC, and Orange to Dutchess County, NY, the crew makes a lasting impact on our beloved outdoor spaces.
