Invasive species are organisms (plants, animals, and pathogens) that are not native to our ecosystem and whose introduction causes economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health.

Due to the potential harm all invasives can cause to communities and ecosystems, all New Yorkers have a stake in the issue. Monday, Feb. 28, through Friday, March 4, has been designated as National Invasive Species Awareness Week, the largest invasive species awareness effort in North America.

Winter is a great time to do your gardening research or to learn something new. Anyone who enjoys gardening, or the outdoors needs to be familiar with invasive species. Potential pathways for individuals to spread invasive species include the aquarium trade, boating, hiking, fishing, and swimming. Seeds, plant parts, or larvae attached on boots, waders, clothing, automobiles, recreational and commercial boats, paddles, life jackets, and bilge water are examples of some potential vectors that may spread invasive species.

Many invasive species are already in New York State, and some are in bordering states. It is important to be able to identify these species and understand their impacts to respond quickly to new invaders.

Why should we care?

There are many reasons why invasive species are problematic. Invasives can have a huge negative impact on biodiversity. Invasives can out-compete native species for resources, preying on native species as well as acting as disease vectors. Invasive species also have an economic impact; they can decrease agricultural crop yields, clog waterways, and decrease waterfront property values.

Many invasive species can also impact human health, such as giant hogweed, wild parsnip, and West Nile virus. Giant hogweed and wild parsnip are invasive plants with sap that causes a painful rash and can burn the skin. West Nile virus is a mosquito vectored virus that causes flu-like symptoms in humans.

What can we do to mitigate problems by invasive species?

Early detection and rapid response to invasive species can prevent significant impacts. Therefore, it is so important to raise awareness and enact control efforts. New York State is being proactive about invasive species identification and control and has established Partnerships for Regional Invasives Species Management or PRISMs throughout the state. Oneida County is part of the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario (SLELO) PRISM region. Visit their website, www.sleloinvasives.org.

Familiarize yourself with the invasive species of concern in our area; you’ll find interesting webinars and talks about how to identify invasive pests. Consider becoming a citizen volunteer for SLELO PRISM; visit their website for more information. Visit New York’s Invasive Species Information website at nyis.info/species-information. Here you will find individual species profiles, fact sheets and photographs of invasive insects, aquatic animals, aquatic plants, pathogens and parasites, terrestrial animals, and terrestrial plants.

Invasives to be concerned about

The spotted lanternfly (SLF) and Asian jumping worms are two of the newest threats. The SLF is cause for concern because it could be a major impact to agricultural crops such as grapes and hops. Asian jumping worms consume organic matter in the top 3 inches of the soil so effectively and so fast that it can impact plant growth and survival.

The Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Longhorned Beetle and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid continue to harm our trees. Oak wilt is an invasive pathogen attacking oak trees. Garlic mustard and Japanese knotweed are just two examples of invasive plants.

The websites provided will give you information on how you can report any invasive pests. Spend winter learning about how you can make a difference.

If you missed signing up for the current master gardener volunteer training, we can put you on our list for the next upcoming training. For more information, call us or visit http://cceoneida.com/ and click on the Facebook and YouTube icons at the bottom of the page for great research and garden information.. Or phone 315-736-3394, Ext 100.