
Spotted lanternfly nymphs (black and white) and final stage nymph (red, white, and black.) Photo by w/pic/Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
GHENT—Do you know what’s growing or crawling around in your backyard?
We are currently in the midst of the state’s ninth annual Invasive Species Awareness Week—so it’s a good time to find out.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) offers a load of free public events and invasive species challenges throughout Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW) June 6 to 12 across the state and online, including daily webinars at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a proclamation designating ISAW to support the annual campaign to encourage New Yorkers to learn more and participate in the fight against the negative impacts of invasive species, according to a DEC press release.
Invasive species are plants, animals, insects and pathogens that are not native to an area and cause harm to the environment, agriculture, economy or public health. New York is particularly vulnerable to these pests due to its role as a center for international trade and travel, according to the release. Read more…