Lower Hudson PRISM

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. 💚

08/17/2026

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/

07/31/2026

Rain or shine it’s still a good time! What an amazing turnout we had at yesterday’s Lower Hudson PRISM Partner Meeting held at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.

The day was brimming with activities including a bioblitz of meadows to determine species diversity found in both burned and unburned (control) portions of meadows from Westchester County Park’s prescribed burn last fall, an eye-opening tick talk from Cornell Integrated Pest Management Program's Joellen Lampman, a field gear show and tell with some incredible demonstrations, and a career panel. Phew!

Thank you so much to Westchester County Parks for hosting, and to all of our partners and field staff who joined us!

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

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

06/10/2026

Find solace in nature this summer...Join our Trail Ecology Survey and Monitor Volunteer program! Learn more at https://nynjtc.org/position-surveyor-volunteer/

You’ll help detect invasive (and native!) species while enjoying time on the trail.

Data collected by volunteers helps us:
🌱 Better understand the distribution of invasive species
⛏️ Work toward better management practices
🌳 Organize forest restoration opportunities
..A win-win-win!