Winter is still a great time to check for some invasive species! With a little know-how, you can spot species like beech leaf disease and spotted lanternfly even when there is snow on the ground! Join CRISP staff during National Invasive Species Awareness Week on February 24th 5:30-6:30 for a virtual discussion and training on these two invasive species, updates on their spread and management, how to survey for them, and what to do if you find them!

Register here: https://events.civicchamps.com/organizations/2972/opportunities/eyJvcHBvcnR1bml0eUlkIjoxOTY0OSwiZGF0ZSI6IjIwMjUtMDItMjQifQ==

The link to join the meeting will be sent out via email the day before and 30 minutes prior to the training.

Our featured speaker, Steven Schwartz, will present his findings from a multiphase knotweed management and research project that he managed with Friends of the Upper Delaware. The management goal was to introduce private landowners to various ways to control knotweed and help them to set management objectives. Three demonstration sites were established with 5 treatments in each site. The research focused on determining the extent of knotweed in the Upper Delaware River watershed, the distribution of the three species of knotweed, and the effect of knotweed establishment on soil retention and sediment transport which may impact water quality.

Steven Schwartz is a resident of the Upper Delaware River watershed living on 20 acres of forested riverfront in Equinunk, PA. His career has included stints working in land conservation, the development of office buildings for nonprofits, web development and technology startups. His property supports a robust stand of ramps (wild leeks) which he sells to restaurants and also offers Ramps U-Pick where people come to learn about ramps, how to sustainably harvest, and then dig some for their culinary needs or to transplant onto their property. The property also hosts a number of invasive species including Japanese Knotweed. Over the last 18 years he has struggled to manage and control it along with other invasives.

During the meeting, Partners will share findings in invasive species outreach and management in the Catskills.

Join OCCA and CRISP for another morning of pulling invasive water chestnuts from Goodyear Lake!

Meet at the New York State Fishing Access Site at Portlandville.

Bring your own watercraft, or reserve a space in an OCCA canoe. If you’ve never seen water chestnut, don’t worry—we’ll show you what to look for and how to remove it. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Please use the form below to sign up (it’s free) and be sure to let us know if you need space in a canoe.

Domestic cats (Felis catus) can make wonderful pets but also have the capacity to kill birds and other wildlife, spread infectious diseases, and cause nuisances in the community when they roam outdoors. Effective management, however, is complicated by the species’ close association with people and unique legal status. This talk will focus on the conservation and public health science underpinning the need to effectively manage domestic cats and identify challenges and opportunities for organizations and individuals to advance science-based solutions that benefit cats, wildlife, and people.

Dr. Grant Sizemore has earned degrees in Zoology and Environmental Science from Miami University in Ohio and an M.S. in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida. He has worked in wildlife conservation policy, education, and research for over 15 years and is a Certified Wildlife Biologist®. Grant is currently the Director of Invasive Species Programs at American Bird Conservancy, where he runs the Cats Indoors program.

Join CRISP and our friends at the Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA) on August 7th for our third annual iSPY Invasive Species Paddle down the Susquehanna River. 

Learn how to ID common aquatic and riparian invasive plants and how they threaten the Susquehanna Watershed while enjoying an easy paddle down the river. We’ll start at the Crumhorn Fishing Access Site in Maryland, NY, and end at the Portlandville Fishing Access site.

This is a calm stretch of river friendly to new and experienced paddlers alike. We’ll see aquatic and terrestrial species alike, including curly leaf pondweed, water chestnut, Japanese knotweed, and more.

Bring water, a snack (or lunch!) and dress to be on the river for 2+ hours.

This event is Bring Your Own Watercraft (BYOW), however, Canoe and Kayak is nearby to rent watercrafts from and can transport kayaks or canoes to the Crumhorn launch site.

Join CRISP and Don’t Let it Loose to learn about how our beloved pets can quickly become pests when let loose in non-native environments.

The rapid growth of pet ownership nationally and the increase in species availability emphasize the importance of invasive species prevention and responsible pet ownership messaging. With the added knowledge that invasive species are overrepresented in the global pet trade, we must take urgent steps to educate pet owners about the risks of released or escaped pets. Don’t Let It Loose is dedicated to reducing instances of pet release and the introduction of invasive species through the pet industry. For years, Invasive Species Action Network (ISAN) has played a key role in managing the Don’t Let It Loose program, partnering with state agencies, independent pet stores, industry leaders, educators, and manufacturing partners to promote responsible pet ownership and pet rehoming when necessary.

The effectiveness of the Don’t Let It Loose messaging and branding lies in its simplicity, clarity, and consistency. The program's reach has steadily grown, with new partnerships forming in more states each year. ISAN has collaborated with agencies to post signage at high-risk water bodies and leveraged social media, targeted advertising, and online educational resources to extend its reach even further.

Looking ahead, the program has opportunities for expansion into rehoming capabilities and the development of more educational resources for aquarists, pet owners, educators, and managers. This presentation will outline the impacts and occurrences of released pets, highlight the importance of the message, identify ongoing challenges, and explore new opportunities and advancements for the program and its dedicated partners.

Missed the first Pets as Pest webinar? Watch it here

Japanese Knotweed is a common streamside and roadside invader that can reproduce from the tiniest root fragment, and it has been expanding along many Catskill rivers and streams. It displaces native vegetation due to its aggressive growth and by forming dense stands that shade out other plants; it lowers quality of habitat for fish and wildlife; and can contribute to stream bank erosion problems.

Japanese knotweed is exceedingly difficult to manage and we will discuss options for management; CRISP staff will cover current best management practices, experimental methods, and the future of Japanese knotweed biocontrol.We will take a short talk to a nearby Japanese Knotweed infestation for a close-up look at the plant and discussion on how site factors impact management options and decisions.

When? June 9 from 1-2:30 PM

Where? The Emerson Resort and Spa in Mt. Tremper, NY

Join CRISP, the Capital Region PRISM, and the Otsego County Conservation Association in preventing the spread of European frogbit in the Upper Susquehanna Watershed!

European frogbit is an invasive floating plant from Europe that can form dense patches that limit recreation and disturb the ecology of waterbodies by displacing and outcompeting native species. Frogbit is easily spread by watercraft and has been popping up around the Upper Susquehanna Watershed in recent years.

Join CRISP, the CR-PRISM, and OCCA in pulling frogbit at Weaver and Summit Lake in Otsego County. Participants are encouraged to bring their own watercraft, however, canoes will be available if needed. Be prepared to get muddy!

Due to limited parking at the sites participants will meet at the OCCA office at 7207 NY-80, Cooperstown, NY 13326 and carpool to Weaver and Summit Lakes (~10mins away).

From fair staples like the common goldfish to exotic armored catfish, learn how aquarium residents and plants can harm our native ecosystems.  We’ll go over aquarium releases in the U.S., here in NY, and their impacts on the environment.  We’ll also cover what to do when goldie outgrows its tank and what to do with an overabundance of plants or unwanted fishes.

The future of the Catskills is in our hands! Join CRISP (Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership) as we work to manage invasive species on the Ashokan Rail Trail. 

Work days run from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Each work day will include an orientation, basic training on use of equipment, and invasive species identification. Volunteers will meet at one of several trailheads along the Ashokan Rail Trail—the exact location of the trailhead will be emailed to volunteers at least two days prior to each work day.

If you have not yet volunteered with the Catskill Center this year, you may be asked to complete our volunteer form and waivers prior to registering. If you have any questions or need assistance, let us know and we're happy to help.

Join the Catskills Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) as we prepare volunteers to identify Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) and place traps on their property. SLF is in an invasive insect in New York State and it's full impact is still being understood. CRISP staff will talk about the impact of SLF on our region. Then, we will provide materials and instruction to build a sticky trap to place on your property. Participants will be set up to record and report findings to CRISP and partners via the app, iMapInvasives.

The future of the Catskills is in our hands! Join CRISP (Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership) as we work to manage invasive species on the Ashokan Rail Trail. 

Work days run from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Each work day will include an orientation, basic training on use of equipment, and invasive species identification. Volunteers will meet at one of several trailheads along the Ashokan Rail Trail—the exact location of the trailhead will be emailed to volunteers at least two days prior to each work day.

If you have not yet volunteered with the Catskill Center this year, you may be asked to complete our volunteer form and waivers prior to registering. If you have any questions or need assistance, let us know and we're happy to help.

Hammerhead worms are an invasive predatory flatworm recently in the spotlight in New York. While these striking toxic flatworms have recently been reported along the Hudson Valley corridor and the Finger Lakes region, evidence suggests they have been here much longer. This webinar will focus on the history and identification of these and other invasive worms in New York, current research into their effects on forests and lawns, and best practices if you find them on your property.

The future of the Catskills is in our hands! Join CRISP (Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership) as we work to manage invasive species on the Ashokan Rail Trail. 

Work days run from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Each work day will include an orientation, basic training on use of equipment, and invasive species identification. Volunteers will meet at one of several trailheads along the Ashokan Rail Trail—the exact location of the trailhead will be emailed to volunteers at least two days prior to each work day.

If you have not yet volunteered with the Catskill Center this year, you may be asked to complete our volunteer form and waivers prior to registering. If you have any questions or need assistance, let us know and we're happy to help.

Get a jump on New York’s annual Invasive Species Awareness Week (June 3-9) with a pleasant day on Goodyear Lake! Join us for a fun day on the water as we search for and remove water chestnut (Trapa natans), an invasive plant that has troubled Goodyear Lake since 2005. Don’t know what it looks like? We’ll teach you! Bring your own watercraft or borrow a canoe from OCCA (it’s free). Meet at the New York State Fishing Access Site on NY-28 in Portlandville. Use the form here to sign up. Be sure to tell us how many people you’re registering and if you need to reserve.

The future of the Catskills is in our hands! Join CRISP (Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership) as we work to manage invasive species on the Ashokan Rail Trail. 

Work days run from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Each work day will include an orientation, basic training on use of equipment, and invasive species identification. Volunteers will meet at one of several trailheads along the Ashokan Rail Trail—the exact location of the trailhead will be emailed to volunteers at least two days prior to each work day.

If you have not yet volunteered with the Catskill Center this year, you may be asked to complete our volunteer form and waivers prior to registering. If you have any questions or need assistance, let us know and we're happy to help.

The future of the Catskills is in our hands! Join CRISP (Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership) as we work to manage invasive species on the Ashokan Rail Trail. 

Work days run from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Each work day will include an orientation, basic training on use of equipment, and invasive species identification. Volunteers will meet at one of several trailheads along the Ashokan Rail Trail—the exact location of the trailhead will be emailed to volunteers at least two days prior to each work day.

If you have not yet volunteered with the Catskill Center this year, you may be asked to complete our volunteer form and waivers prior to registering. If you have any questions or need assistance, let us know and we're happy to help.

Japanese knotweed is exceedingly difficult to manage. In this presentation, Dan Snider-Nerp of the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP), will cover current best management practices, experimental methods, and the future of Japanese knotweed biocontrol. Knotweed is a common streamside and roadside invader that can reproduce from a tiny root fragment, which has led to its spread along many Catskill rivers and streams. Knotweed displaces native vegetation due to its aggressive growth and dense thickets. It lowers the quality of habitat for fish and wildlife and can contribute to streambank erosion.

This will be held as a virtual webinar. Click here to register.

Dan Snider-Nerp is the Terrestrial Invasive Species Manager at the CRISP. He has worked at CRISP managing priority invasive species for 9 years and is a licensed pesticide applicator.

The CRISP team is looking for volunteers to help restore the riparian buffer at the Thorn Preserve! On May 19th from 9 am to 1 pm, we are going to be planting a native wet-meadow seed mix along an old trail section at the southern end of the Thorn Preserve to help reduce populations of invasive lesser celandine and to reduce impacts to the Sawkill Creek. Volunteers should come ready to get muddy! We'll be breaking up and raking pre-tilled soil and planting native meadow wildflower and grass seeds. All tools and gloves will be provided by CRISP.

The future of the Catskills is in our hands! Join CRISP (Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership) as we work to manage invasive species on the Ashokan Rail Trail. 

Work days run from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Each work day will include an orientation, basic training on use of equipment, and invasive species identification. Volunteers will meet at one of several trailheads along the Ashokan Rail Trail—the exact location of the trailhead will be emailed to volunteers at least two days prior to each work day.

If you have not yet volunteered with the Catskill Center this year, you may be asked to complete our volunteer form and waivers prior to registering. If you have any questions or need assistance, let us know and we're happy to help.

The future of the Catskills is in our hands! Join CRISP (Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership) as we work to manage invasive species on the Ashokan Rail Trail. 

Work days run from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Each work day will include an orientation, basic training on use of equipment, and invasive species identification. Volunteers will meet at one of several trailheads along the Ashokan Rail Trail—the exact location of the trailhead will be emailed to volunteers at least two days prior to each work day.

If you have not yet volunteered with the Catskill Center this year, you may be asked to complete our volunteer form and waivers prior to registering. If you have any questions or need assistance, let us know and we're happy to help.

The future of the Catskills is in our hands! Join CRISP (Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership) as we work to manage invasive species on the Ashokan Rail Trail. 

Work days run from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Each work day will include an orientation, basic training on use of equipment, and invasive species identification. Volunteers will meet at one of several trailheads along the Ashokan Rail Trail—the exact location of the trailhead will be emailed to volunteers at least two days prior to each work day.

If you have not yet volunteered with the Catskill Center this year, you may be asked to complete our volunteer form and waivers prior to registering. If you have any questions or need assistance, let us know and we're happy to help.

The future of the Catskills is in our hands! Join CRISP (Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership) as we work to manage invasive species on the Ashokan Rail Trail. 

Work days run from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Each work day will include an orientation, basic training on use of equipment, and invasive species identification. Volunteers will meet at one of several trailheads along the Ashokan Rail Trail—the exact location of the trailhead will be emailed to volunteers at least two days prior to each work day.

If you have not yet volunteered with the Catskill Center this year, you may be asked to complete our volunteer form and waivers prior to registering. If you have any questions or need assistance, let us know and we're happy to help.

The future of the Catskills is in our hands! Join CRISP (Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership) as we work to manage invasive species on the Ashokan Rail Trail. 

Work days run from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Each work day will include an orientation, basic training on use of equipment, and invasive species identification. Volunteers will meet at one of several trailheads along the Ashokan Rail Trail—the exact location of the trailhead will be emailed to volunteers at least two days prior to each work day.

If you have not yet volunteered with the Catskill Center this year, you may be asked to complete our volunteer form and waivers prior to registering. If you have any questions or need assistance, let us know and we're happy to help.