Help monitor the health of our forests while documenting invasive and native species along our trails...Become a Trail Ecology Survey volunteer!

Trail Ecology Survey volunteers (formerly Invasives Strike Force Survey volunteers) work to preserve biodiversity by monitoring the presence of invasive and native species in natural areas surrounding hiking trails. Data collected by surveyors are used to inform the planning and implementation of programs to control the further spread of invasive species into our region’s natural areas.

Volunteers are trained in the identification and reporting of invasive and priority native species by attending a series of two trainings. One of the trainings focuses on how to identify the target species on this year’s list and the second training focuses on how to record data and officially submit results of what was found. Volunteers are assigned a section of trail to search for these invasive plants and forest pests. They then have the entire summer and early fall to survey and report back to us.

Our team is still working on finalizing the species on this year’s list, but it will likely include invasive bush honeysuckles, invasive viburnums, and English ivy. There will also be a large emphasis on looking for lingering native trees, or those showing heightened resistance to beech leaf disease and hemlock woolly adelgid. Please sign up to join us at the upcoming trainings which will have a hybrid option although we strongly encourage in person attendance if possible!

Into the Thicket: Here's How Our Conservation Dogs Survey For and Protect the Elusive New England Cottontail

The New England Cottontail: From Flourishing Species to a Threatened Population

When you think of a rare species, a rabbit might not be the first animal that comes to mind. However, you may be surprised to learn that New York is home to two types of rabbits—one thriving, the other struggling for survival! The New England cottontail (NEC), a Species of Special Concern in NYS, was once abundant throughout New England and eastern New York. Beginning in the 1960s, however, NEC experienced a dramatic decline in population. This native rabbit species now occupies just 15% of its historic range due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and competition from the prospering Eastern cottontail, which was introduced to New England in the early 1900s as a game species.

Conservation Dogs to the Rescue

Thankfully, the Trail Conference’s Conservation Dogs Program and Stewardship team, along with our partners at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and New York State Parks, are here to help protect this threatened native species and ensure its habitat prospers. Our dogs are trained to track pellets from NEC which provides biologists with information on the habitat types and distribution patterns associated with the species to better tailor conservation efforts.

To find out more about how our conservation dogs help protect the New England cottontail: Read the full article linked here!

Managing Invasives: Mindful Ecological Approaches

Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture 630 Bedford Road Tarrytown, NY
Register for the event by buying tickets here!

Mark your calendars! Lower Hudson PRISM is helping to sponsor a new day-long invasive species-themed symposium at Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture. Hear from experts on non-chemical techniques like timed cutting, solarization, steaming, and smothering. Learn about the latest invasive plant research and how to prevent their spread. See an equipment show-and-tell. And enjoy a buffet lunch from the Café at Blue Hill at Stone Barns.

I Love My Park Day - Croton

Saturday, May 3, 2025 @ 10:00 am
Quaker Bridge Road Croton-on-Hudson, NY
Click here for more information!

Do you enjoy birds, butterflies, and wildflowers? Would you like to help protect them? Come help manage invasive species along the Old Croton Aqueduct- Croton site- with the Invasives Strike Force Crew in collaboration with partners from Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct as part of I love My Park Day. No experience necessary. Identification and removal training will be provided on site!

Mohonk Preserve: Leave No Trace Workshop

Tuesday, April 22, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET.
Register in advance here for the in person event.

Celebrate Earth Day at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center and learn how you can minimize your impact on the environment during the Leave No Trace Workshop! This two-hour workshop will introduce you to the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) with LNT certified instructor Chief Ranger Dan Cassidy.

This workshop is an important first step for anyone who wants to become a responsible and ethical outdoor enthusiast. Spend some time with Mohonk Preserve Rangers and Stewardship Staff to learn helpful tips and tricks that you can incorporate into your next outdoor adventure. This is a free program for ages 8 and above. Space is limited to 30 participants and advance registration is required.

This program is part of Mohonk Preserve’s Earth Week celebration.

Cary Institute- Living Sustainably with Wildfire: Science for Solutions

Thursday, Apr 24, 2025 at 8:00-9:00pm ET
Register for the free virtual live stream

Panelists will discuss lessons learned from the LA fires and similar events, regional trends in fire, and risks to water resources and forest health. The panel is hosted by the Western Fire and Forest Resilience Collaborative and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

Panelists Lori Moore-Merrell, Hilary Franz, Lara Kueppers, and Winslow Hansen will discuss lessons learned from the LA fires and similar events, regional trends in fire, and risks to water resources and forest health. Panelists will share their experience with the use of science to inform strategies for managing fire in communities, ecosystems, and where they mix.

The conversation will be of interest for anyone concerned with fire, water resources, or climate resilience. Learn how science-based solutions can build resilience in a rapidly changing environment.

CCE Westchester Certified Tree Steward Training 2025

Tuesday, Apr 22 - Friday, May 2, 2025
CCE of Westchester County, Elmsford, NY

The Certified Tree Steward Program is a comprehensive workshop dealing with arboriculture. Through both classroom learning and outdoor exercises, the participants will learn all about tree biology, identification, pruning, planting, rigging and much more. Personal protection as well as tree protection will be emphasized.