Spend sometime this winter getting involved in the following learning opportunities provided by the NYS DEC. Do your part to help combat the ongoing threat of invasive species within the Adirondack Park.

Protecting Rare Species from Invasives (Finger Lakes PRISM) – Tuesday, January 12 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. – Join the Finger Lakes PRISM for their Invasive Species: How to Know, Observe and Report Webinar Series. This presentation will feature Steve Young, Chief Biologist from the NY Natural Heritage Program. Please register in advance.

Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society Annual Meeting (NEAPMS) – January 12, 13, and 14 – View agenda and registration information on NEAPMS’s website.

The Power of Native Plants (SLELO PRISM and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saint Lawrence County) – Thursday, January 14 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Join us for a free online class about the power of native plants, alternatives to exotic and invasive ornamental plants, and invasive species to watch for. Participants will also learn about nature-based community science opportunities they can contribute to from home. Register for this session on Zoom.

Winter Wildflowers (Reinstein Woods) – Tuesday, January 19 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Explore the world of winter plants and see what next summer’s wildflowers will look like. Advanced registration is required. Find registration info on the Friends of Reinstein Woods website.

Invasive Species and Climate Change Symposium (Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Management Network) – Wednesday January 20 and Thursday January 21, 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. each day – This meeting will bring together natural resource managers, scientists, and the invasive species community to discuss challenges and solutions to incorporating climate change into invasive species management. View the agenda and find registration info on the NRISCC website.

Planning for Emerald Ash Borer – Best Practices for Managing Adirondack Ash Woodlands (Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program) – Tuesday, January 26 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Geared toward land and estate managers, woodlot owners, entities and municipalities, and homeowners with multiple acres, this workshop will review best practices in preparing for, limiting the spread of, identifying, and living with emerald ash borer. Find registration info on APIPP’s website.

Planting for Pollinators (Reinstein Woods) – Tuesday, January 26 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – It’s never too early to think about your summer garden! Discover how choosing the right plants can benefit wildlife while also beautifying your yard. Advanced registration is required. Find registration info on the Friends of Reinstein Woods website