Action Steps/Resources
MAP INVASIVES
We need your help to know where invasive species are, and where they aren’t. No matter your level of knowledge, you can make a difference and learn a lot along the way! Click the most appropriate prompt below to learn more about how you can help map invasive species.
Great! We recommend you try the free apps Seek or iNaturalist. Both available for iPhone and Android.
Download the app Seek, click here.
With Seek, you can use the power of image recognition technology to identify the plants and animals all around you. Earn badges for seeing different types of birds, amphibians, plants, and fungi and participate in monthly observation challenges. It’s fun, and you can start learning in seconds– no account needed.
iNaturalist is a social network of naturalists, community scientists, and biologists that is built on the concept of mapping and sharing observations of biodiversity across the globe. Upload a photo observation of any plant, animal, or fungi and get an identification with the help of AI, or live experts.
Great idea! You can share your knowledge with your kids, or try the free app, Seek, click here.
With Seek, you can use the power of image recognition technology to identify the plants and animals all around you. Earn badges for seeing different types of birds, amphibians, plants, and fungi and participate in monthly observation challenges. It’s fun, and you can start learning in seconds– no account needed. Privacy settings are available as well.
iNaturalist is a social network of naturalists, community scientists, and biologists built on the concept of mapping and sharing observations of biodiversity across the globe. Upload a photo observation of any plant, animal, or fungi and get an identification with the help of AI, or live experts.
iNaturalist is a social network of naturalists, community scientists, and biologists built on the concept of mapping and sharing observations of biodiversity across the globe. Upload a photo observation of any plant, animal, or fungi and get an identification with the help of AI, or live experts.
Sign up for iMapInvasives click here.
iMapInvasives is an online, GIS-based data management system used to assist community scientists and natural resource professionals working to protect our natural resources from the threat of invasive species.
What’s good: You can enter observations of invasive species in the app.
What’s better: You can enter when you did NOT find an invasive species. These “not detected” records are very important to our work.
What’s best: You! Thanks for your help!
Fantastic! iMapInvasives links with other GIS-based apps from ESRI to make this possible.
If you’re interested in this, please contact us and we’ll find the right set-up for you.
We appreciate your dedication to mapping invasive species!
By becoming a volunteer confirmer, you can assist LH PRISM in confirming some of the records that are sent into iMapInvasives.
If you’d like to become a confirmer, learn more about confirming iMap records click here
Or contact Lower Hudson PRISM, click here so we can help you get started.
RESOURCES
PLANT NATIVE
• Grow plants native to the Hudson Valley to support pollinators and other native wildlife.
• Avoid non-native and invasive plants that self-seed because they have the potential to move outside of your garden.
• Use mulch that has been kiln-dried or make your own mulch to prevent introductions to your backyard.
• Rinse the roots of transplanted plants and remove affixed soil prior to planting in your garden to avoid spreading invasive worms.
• Take care of plant parts before composting: bag, tarp, dry, chip, or drown plant parts to ensure invasive plants do not take root.
• Ensure the pile has 30 days of exposure to temperatures of 145 degrees or more to kill seeds from tougher weed species.
VOLUNTEER
Help monitor the health of our forests while documenting invasive and native species along our trails. Become a Surveyor volunteer!
As a community scientist, you’ll join a team dedicated to protecting our natural habitats by identifying high-priority invasive species. You’ll receive fun, interactive training through webinars and field ID footage, then be assigned a trail section to survey at your convenience throughout the summer and fall. Your data will help shape management decisions and organize removal efforts, all while enhancing your natural knowledge through mobile apps and fieldwork.
Restoration Volunteers work to protect native habitats by removing invasive plants and promoting native plant regeneration across parks in the Lower Hudson region of New York. These volunteers make a lasting impact on our beloved outdoor spaces
Help educate the public on topics including; responsible recreation, native plant factoids, pollinator-friendly gardening, invasive species identification and prevention, and more!
We are looking for contributions to our social media education and outreach efforts. If you have an interest in fact-based research and writing we would love to hear from you + bonus points for photo/video content.
This volunteer commitment requires one contribution per month of either text or multimedia content.
Look into volunteering with one of our many partners for a workday or other initiative. We post opportunities in our monthly newsletter.
SHOP SMART
• Familiarize yourself with the prohibited invasive species list.
• Do not buy invasive species, especially over the internet on sites like eBay and Pinterest.
• Report stores that sell prohibited or regulated invasive plants to the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.
• Make a plan for how to dispose of your already purchased invasive pets and plants.
MANAGE INVASIVES
• Get to know your backyard: Identify the species growing on your property. What native species can you protect, and what invasive species can you suppress?
• Explore control options: What are the root causes for this invasion?, Research best management practices to determine if manual, mechanical, cultural, or chemical control, or a combination, is the best option to meet your goals.?
• Time it right: Research phenology to determine the best timing for management, often right before seeds are produced. Manual removal is easiest when the soil is wet after a rain. Herbicidal management is most effective in the late summer and fall when nutrients are being stored in the roots.
• Set goals: Set defined, achievable goals and objectives to measure your progress. Revisit managed areas throughout the growing season to manage invasives regrowth.
• Get help: Consider meeting with a consultant or hiring a contractor to address your invasive species issues. When you’re getting started with management, invite your friends over to help!
• Dispose properly: Invasives vegetation can properly be disposed of in a few ways. If possible, keep the vegetation on site, avoiding contact with the soil, in as few piles as possible. For alternatives, check out the guide in the resources.
• Tell us your story: Send pictures of your management progress for a chance to be featured on our Instagram. Click here for our Instagram
CLEAN GEAR
ON LAND
Boots, tire treads, and garden tools can easily carry seeds and insect eggs. When you brush your boots and clean your gear before and after outings, you prevent new introductions.
• Don’t move firewood. Don’t bring firewood from home when you camp. Tree-killing bugs can be inside the wood. Instead, buy firewood near the campsite.
• Clean your tools between uses to prevent the spread of plant diseases.
• Check your vehicle and outdoor gear for signs of hitchhiking bugs or egg masses.
ON THE WATER
Boats, paddles, and propellers can transport larvae and plant debris. When you clean, drain, and dry your boat, you stop these aquatic hitchhikers from getting a free ride.
• Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from all equipment before leaving water access points
• Drain watercraft bilge, live well, motor, and other water-containing devices before leaving water access.
• Dry everything for at least five days OR wipe with a towel before reuse.
• Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, and fish parts in the trash.
• Do Not Dump unwanted aquarium plants and animals into waterways.