New York State’s third annual Invasive Species Awareness Week is taking place through July 16th.

The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) and its partners have organized a lineup of free invasive species related events to be held during Invasives Week for all ages and interests.

Some of the week’s events include an Adirondack Forest Pest Summit, Emerging Aquatic Invasive Species of Concern Seminar, Asian Clam Research and Removal Day, and a Terrestrial Invasive Plant Identification & Management Training. All of these events are free and open to the public. Different events are being offered across the Adirondacks each day of Invasives Week to promote regional participation.

In addition to special trainings and workshops, there will also be recurring daily events in which to participate. “Ask an Invasive Species Expert” booths will be located at both the Lake George and Paul Smith’s Visitor’s Centers. Boaters and anglers are also encouraged to take advantage of free, voluntary boat inspection and wash stations made available throughout the region under the Adirondack Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program. Lastly, knowledgeable staff will be stationed at farmers’ markets throughout the region to answer questions about invasive species.

The goal of Invasives Week is to promote knowledge and understanding of invasive species and their impacts while encouraging New York State residents and visitors to take action in preventing their spread. Invasive species are organisms that invade habitats beyond their native range; proliferating to levels that cause significant, often irreversible harm to native ecosystems, commerce and recreational opportunities.

Invasive species can be unknowingly introduced or spread through everyday activities such as by the long-distance transport of firewood or use of unwashed boats between waterbodies. The various events offered during Invasives Week will demonstrate how everyone can take action to better protect the Adirondacks and New York State from invasive species.

All Invasives Week events are open to the public and free unless otherwise noted. For more information and a complete lineup of statewide events, click here.

Photo: Invasive Species Awareness Week events are available for all ages and interests.