Lower Hudson PRISM

10/16/2026

With spooky season in full swing, we took a moment to think about our top five invasive species horror movies! We're keeping all of the lights on and jumping into bed as fast as we can after seeing these 😱🫣

One way to keep these spooky invasives at bay is to not move firewood! Invasive insects and tree diseases can hitchhike to new areas in firewood, spreading to forests far from where they started 🪵

🔥 Buy it where you burn it, and burn it where you buy it! 🔥



Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management ( -Network) is a statewide collaborative approach to invasive species management, prevention, outreach and restoration in collaboration with the . The PRISM network includes: .prism . Visit rebrand.ly/NYIS_PRISMs to connect with your local PRISM

10/09/2026

While our eyes drink in the trees’ brilliant autumnal show, late-blooming asters draw our gaze downward to their own spectacular performance.

Asters, like the New England aster (seen here), attract loads of late season pollinating insects (also seen here - in the form of bumblebees). During the winter months, the dried stalks of these beauts provide food and shelter for many birds and small animals that feast on their seeds. Additionally, this species plays a vital role in local ecosystems by stabilizing soil, reducing erosion, and improving water quality.

Quite the impressive resume! Just another reminder why we work hard to protect the land we love. 💚

10/02/2026

At this pitch pine-oak-heath rocky summit, the unique habitat found at Breakneck Ridge’s Upper Overlook, our partners at Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail are taking a thoughtful, holistic approach to invasive species management. Thanks to the efforts of David Junga, Natural Resources Coordinator for the HHFT, the HHFT team, and an intrepid crew of volunteers, an impressive amount of progress has already been made to improve this site's ecological quality. By incorporating thoughtful invasive species management and restoration practices (including the planting of locally sourced native species), this is exactly the type of approach we like to see - and would like to see more - throughout our region!

This is just one of many projects that HHFT will be working on as they continue to create the 7.5-mile linear park between the Village of Cold Spring and the City of Beacon. After seeing what’s in the works at Upper Overlook, we are excited to see how future efforts to protect and restore habitat along this iconic corridor unfold!

09/25/2026

Krystian, age 9, wants to be a scientist when he gets older, and we wouldn't doubt it for a second! “We tried to find invasive species of plants in Harriman State Park...we identified and recorded lots of beech leaf disease. We saw sassafras too!," says Krystian while reflecting on his experience as a Trail Ecology Survey and Monitor Volunteer who reports on the health of our forests by documenting invasive and native species along our trails. Data from these community-powered surveys help make management decisions to prevent the further spread of invasive species into our natural areas.

"​We saw some mushrooms, and it was really hot that day. We had to clap because there were probably bears nearby. Data collection is hard when you first do it, but then you can work better once you get the hang of it. It gets easier. Next summer, I'd want to go somewhere else to find more invasive plants.”

We love to hear it, Krystian! Thank you to this young naturalist and his aunt/mentor, Mary, for their efforts this season - and to all of our volunteers for helping protect the land we love. 💚

09/22/2026

Enhance habitat at Inwood Hill Park in NYC this Saturday, with the Invasives Strike Force! This park is the only site in the Lower Hudson Valley that has this invasive species. Your efforts will help prevent this plant from spreading further, protecting the land you love!

We will be removing dense patches of crested mint before our conservation dogs survey the site and find the hard-to-spot plants that are scattered throughout the park.

Learn more and sign up at:
https://events.nynjtc.org/ /a16aZ00000ABbePQAT

09/22/2026

09/01/2026

Native Species Spotlight: Ironweed

Clusters of rich purple flowers burst from this native perennial providing late-season nectar to bees and butterflies, and, eventually, seeds for songbirds. As fall approaches, this gentle giant can grow up to six feet tall in the right conditions, acting as a veritable ecological powerhouse for our region.

Thought to be named for its strong stem and root system, ironweed stands proudly as a biodiversity magnet in both wild and homegrown situations, attracting beauts like this great spangled fritillary for lucky passersby to enjoy.

So be on the lookout for this native species as summer slowly slips into fall - just another reminder why we work hard to protect the land we love. 💚

08/24/2026

Ready for some outdoor adventure? Join our knowledgeable Trail Stewards on an upcoming guided hike!

From exploring the Cornish Estate ruins in the Hudson Highlands and a journey to North Point’s scenic vistas in the Catskills to a hiking and history adventure through the Sam’s Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve, our guided outings invite you to experience some of our region’s most iconic hiking destinations in a whole new light.

Guided hikes take place throughout August, September, and October, so you’re bound to find an event that piques your interest.

Learn more and sign up at ➡️ nynjtc.org/events

08/17/2026

Hands-on conservation career opportunity! Help protect forests, trails, and natural areas across the Lower Hudson Valley as the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference’s Terrestrial Invasive Species Program Coordinator.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing, monitoring and mapping invasive species
• Getting outside throughout the Lower Hudson Valley during field season
• Leading a seasonal crew + supervising interns and volunteers
• Planning and executing habitat restoration projects
• Collaborating with partners, government agencies, and landowners
• ...and making a positive impact on the environment!

Learn more and apply at: https://www.nynjtc.org/position-terrestrial-invasive-species-program-coordinator/

06/12/2026

It’s New York Invasive Species Awareness Week, and our indomitable Invasives Strike Force is celebrating their victory in managing sticky sage along the Appalachian Trail in New York! Take a look and listen to all they’ve accomplished—and discover how you, too, can make a difference in protecting the land you love. 💚

Interested in getting involved? Visit 👉 nynjtc.org/volunteer