Two Keuka College seniors spent their summer fieldwork identifying invasive plants along New York trails, collecting information that can help state agencies decide where to remove them.
Environmental science majors Jasmin Carrillo and Emily Fisher completed complementary Field Period experiences with the state’s Invasive Species Strike Team, according to a [Nov. 6 report from Keuka College](https://www.keuka.edu/blog/keuka-college-students-team-tackle-invasive-species).
The roommates and classmates worked near their respective homes in Buffalo and Hudson Falls. Their targets included common buckthorn, Oriental bittersweet and Morrow’s honeysuckle.
## Turning trail observations into usable data
Working as citizen scientists, the students identified plants, photographed them and recorded their locations in a geographic information system. They added observations about how extensively a plant had spread and whether other invasive species were nearby.
Their findings went into NY iMapInvasives, a state database. Carrillo reported collecting more than 700 points while surveying suburban walking trails in Erie County.
Fisher used AllTrails to find routes in rural areas near Lake George. Identification apps, guides and booklets helped her learn to recognize the invasive plants she encountered.
The location records give agencies such as the state Department of Environmental Conservation coordinates they can use to find problem plants. Carrillo said areas with limited impacts offer opportunities to remove a threat before it becomes widespread and difficult to eliminate.
## Fieldwork shapes career plans
The experience also changed how the students see their futures. Carrillo said she now recognizes native, invasive and protected plants during walks that once looked like an undifferentiated stretch of vegetation.
She entered college thinking about water conservation, but the summer work sparked an interest in plant identification and field surveys. She said she enjoyed the work and wants a career that lets her work outdoors.
Fisher said the placement reinforced her interest in environmental conservation and in a job with changing outdoor surroundings rather than an office routine.
Their adviser, biology instructor Gylla MacGregor, directed them to the Field Period placements. Both students were inducted last year into Chi Beta Phi, a national honor society focused on science and mathematics.
Now approaching graduation with similar career interests, the two hope their parallel paths will continue.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.