Invasive Species Awareness Week at Five Rivers

DEC Delivers press release
DEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Share or view as a web page || Update preferences or unsubscribe

Invasive Species Awareness Week at Five Rivers

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center will mark Invasive Species Awareness Week-July 10-16, 2016-with programs focused on invasive species present on the property at 56 Game Farm Road in Delmar.

Water chestnut, an invasive aquatic plant that crowds out native flora, is taking over the surface of some of the ponds at Five Rivers, most notably, Beaver Pond. An infestation can cause changes to the water chemistry and composition of the ponds.

Water chestnut removal is a labor-intensive process, requiring many hands. On Monday, July 11, and Tuesday, July 12, visitors may come between 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM to take part in a water chestnut pull. If you would like to assist in the effort, bring your own kayak or canoe, personal flotation device, paddle and gloves. Those without watercraft can assist with disposal on land. Participants will get wet and dirty and must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by an adult to be on the water. Insect repellent is strictly prohibited for those who will be on or near the water. A hat and sunscreen are suggested. Participants should meet in the parking lot of the NYSDEC Wildlife Resources Center at 108 Game Farm Road, a short walk from the infestation sites.

A presentation on invasive species which are affecting our forests will take place on Tuesday, July 12, at 6:30 PM. Join us to learn more about the emerald ash borer, Asian long-horned beetle and the hemlock woolly adelgid. The program will start with an indoor presentation about the background and biology of these invasive species. Afterward, we will visit a trail to see firsthand the signs and symptoms of an infestation and learn what is being done to manage these pests at Five Rivers.

On Saturday, July 16, both our morning and afternoon programs will highlight invasive species. At 10:00 AM, the aliens are coming. Actually, they are already here. Invasive species (known as alien) are common here at Five Rivers and likely near your home as well. What effects do they have on the health of our forests, fields and ponds? Take a walk around the property to see some of what wasn't here before and look at what may be disappearing.

At 2:00 PM, we will repeat the Tuesday evening program on invasive species that are impacting forest health.

Please call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 for more information.

Monday, July 11, 9:30 AM and
Tuesday, July 12, 9:30 AM
Invasive Species Awareness Week: Water Chestnut Pull

Water chestnut, an invasive aquatic plant, is taking over the surface of some of the ponds at Five Rivers. It crowds out native flora and can result in changes to the water chemistry and composition of the ponds. Removal is a labor-intensive process, requiring many hands. If you would like to assist in the effort, bring your own kayak or canoe, PFD, paddle, and gloves. Those without a watercraft can assist on land with disposal. Expect to get wet and dirty. To be on the water, participants must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by an adult. Insect repellent is strictly prohibited for those who will be on or near the water.

Tuesday, July 12, 6:30 PM
Citizen Science: Invasives

Join us to learn more about the emerald ash borer, Asian long-horned beetle and the hemlock woolly adelgid. The program will start with an indoor presentation about the background and biology of these invasive species. Afterward, we will visit a trail to see firsthand the signs and symptoms of an infestation and learn what is being done to manage these pests at Five Rivers.

Saturday, July 16, 10:00 AM
Guided Walk: The Aliens are Coming!

Actually, they are already here. Invasive species (known as alien) are common here at Five Rivers and likely near your home as well. What effects do they have on the health of our forests, fields, and ponds? Take a walk around the property to see some of what wasn't here before and look at what may be disappearing.

Saturday, July 16, 2:00 PM
Citizen Science: Invasives
(Repeated from Tuesday, July 12, 6:30 PM)

 

http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/77537.html