New York will launch its 12th annual Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW) on Monday, June 9, with a full slate of public events, educational sessions, and digital resources aimed at protecting local ecosystems from harmful non-native species.
Led by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM), and New York Sea Grant (NYSG), the campaign runs through June 15 and includes free webinars, hands-on workshops, and community hikes.
Why invasive species are a growing threat to New York
Invasive species—non-native plants, animals, insects, or pathogens—can wreak havoc on agriculture, biodiversity, and public health. New York’s status as a global trade and travel hub makes it especially vulnerable.
“Invasive species jeopardize the health of our native plant and animal communities,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “They threaten the open spaces New Yorkers cherish for recreation and biodiversity.”
Key efforts to slow the spread
Agencies are urging New Yorkers to help by learning to identify and report invasive species. Tools like the newly redesigned nyis.info portal offer streamlined resources to support citizen scientists and landowners statewide.
Highlights of current state efforts include:
- Aquatic invasive species management (hydrilla, round goby, northern snakehead)
- Terrestrial plant control, including giant hogweed, kudzu, and Japanese knotweed
- Forest pest tracking, such as southern pine beetle and beech leaf disease
- Agricultural pest monitoring, including spotted lanternfly and boxwood blight
Public events and resources
The week’s offerings are tailored to educate and involve the public:
- Guided hikes and paddles
- Invasive species ID challenges
- Live webinars and interactive workshops
- Local PRISM (Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management) meetups
To view the full schedule or register for events, residents can visit the Invasive Species Awareness Week page on nyis.info.
A record budget for environmental protection
The newly approved FY 2025–26 New York State Budget includes an unprecedented $425 million Environmental Protection Fund, with $18.5 million allocated to invasive species control and prevention.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball emphasized the importance of early detection:
“With New Yorkers’ help, we’ve been able to better monitor and slow the spread of these invasives.”
How you can help
Officials say small actions by individuals can have a big impact:
- Clean hiking boots and outdoor gear
- Inspect and wash boats before entering new waterways
- Use local firewood to prevent forest pest spread
- Remove invasive plants from personal properties
More information is available on the DEC invasive species hub.
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