New York State’s fourth annual Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW) will take place July 9th-15th. The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) is collaborating with various partner organizations to offer more than 15 invasive species related events, including  Backcountry Water Monitors Training, Terrestrial Invasive Plant ID & Survey Training, Lake Champlain Water Chestnut Paddle & Pull, and Adirondack Invaders Day at The Wild Center.

APIPP will also provide educational booths at regional venues such as the Old Forge Farmers Market, and at the Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, during Labastille Day. Invasive species experts will be available to provide information, answer questions, and identify specimens. Boaters and anglers are encouraged to pay a visit to a local boat launch steward or any of the free boat inspection and wash stations located throughout the region, to learn about aquatic invasive species prevention and to ensure their boats and gear are clean, drained, and dry. Those looking to participate from home can watch Making Waves, a documentary about the impacts of invasive species on the Great Lakes, airing on Mountain Lakes PBS on July 9, from 3 to 5 pm.

Invasive species are non-native plants and animals that can harm the economy, ecology, and residents of the Adirondack region. They can be spread unknowingly through everyday activities such as moving soil and fill, transporting firewood, moving watercraft between multiple waterbodies, and gardening or landscaping with exotic plants.

The goal of Invasive Species Awareness Week is to promote knowledge and understanding of invasive species and the harm they can cause by engaging citizens in a wide range of activities across the state, and empowering them to take action to stop the invasion.

For the full list of events visit APIPP’s calendar of events.

Photo provided.