New York’s fight against invasive species takes center stage this weekend as experts, educators, and community members gather at Saratoga Spa State Park for the second New York State Invasive Species Expo.
The three-day event, hosted by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and its state partners, runs from September 14 through 16.
The Expo kicks off with a Community Conservation Day at the Saratoga Farmer’s Market, followed by two days of presentations, hands-on workshops, and field trips at the Roosevelt Campus. Organizers say it’s a chance for the public to learn how invasive pests and plants—like the spotted lanternfly, hydrilla, and emerald ash borer—impact local ecosystems.
“Invasive species threaten the health of our ecosystems and the quality of outdoor recreation across New York,” said State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton added that the event gives New Yorkers the tools and knowledge needed to stop the spread.
The state allocated $18.5 million for invasive species efforts in the current Environmental Protection Fund—part of a record $425 million budget for environmental initiatives.
More details are available on the New York Invasive Species Clearinghouse website.
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