The 10th annual invasive species awareness week began yesterday the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Agriculture and Markets announced.
The week will feature free events and invasive species challenges through the 11th throughout the state and online, featuring daily webinars 1pm and 4pm until Friday.
“Invasive Species Awareness Week is an excellent opportunity for New Yorkers to learn about invasive species and the comprehensive efforts underway thanks to investments by Governor Kathy Hochul to combat the threats these pests pose to our environment, agriculture, public health, and economy,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos.
Invasive species can be a range of things including plants, animals, insects, and pathogens not native to an area and can cause harm to the environment, agriculture, economy, or even public health.
The DEC currently has a comprehensive program in place to research, manage, and combat the effects of invasive species throughout the state. The program includes tackling aquatic invasive species like hydrilla, round goby, and the northern snakehead. For the woodlands, it includes tracking and managing pests such as southern pine beetle, beech leaf disease, and hemlock wooly adelgid.
For more information on the state’s invasive species click HERE.
