May 4, 2026
This blog is brought to you by SLELO PRISM’s Pledge to Protect.
It seemed harmless enough—a pretty vine from the garden center, its bright berries adding a pop of color to the backyard. But what the homeowner didn’t realize was that this beautiful plant was invasive, and within a few years it spread rapidly—choking trees, creeping into nearby woods and fields, and outcompeting native plants while damaging habitats for generations. Stories like this are more common than you might think across New York, where many invasive species begin in home gardens before spreading into natural areas. Fortunately, the solution can start right at home. Read more on our blog to learn how you can help stop the spread.
Blog Features: Read the Full Blog
- Information about our upcoming Biodiversity and Habitat Enhancement Project, starting April 30th
- Climate-smart gardening tips
- Invasive plants to watch for and native alternatives
- Resources and reporting methods to help you flex your green thumb safely
- A quiz to test your knowledge
- Resources to help your garden grow sustainably
Protector's Quiz
Think you can spot the difference between invasive plants and their native alternatives? Put your knowledge to the test! Challenge what you know about climate-smart gardening, from identifying harmful invasive species to choosing eco-friendly plants that support local wildlife. Click the button below to take the quiz and see how your garden stacks up!
Get Involved: The Roots of Renewal: Biodiversity and Habitat Enhancement (BHE) Project
Spring is a season of renewal—but it’s also when invasive species begin to emerge. The Roots of Renewal: Biodiversity and Habitat Enhancement (BHE) Project is tackling this challenge by controlling invasives and establishing climate-resilient native plant populations across the SLELO region. Led by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, with support from SLELO PRISM, the initiative features five demonstration garden sites along with free webinars and public planting events designed to engage the community. No experience needed!
Webinars (register to receive the Zoom link)
- April 30 | 6:30–8 p.m. – Cultivating Biodiversity & Habitat
- May 28 | 6:30–8 p.m. – Invasive Species 101: Empowering Gardeners
Public Planting Events (10 a.m. start; ~3–4 hours)
- May 11 – Zoo New York, Watertown, NY
- May 12 – Jefferson Community College, Watertown, NY
- May 13 – Frederic Remington Art Museum, Ogdensburg, NY
- May 15 – Ives Park, Potsdam, NY
- May 19 – Downtown Canton, NY
About the Pledge
The Pledge to Protect was developed by the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM). It is a resource intended to inform and inspire you to protect your lands and waters from the impacts of invasive species. Upon taking the Pledge, you become a “Protector” and are sent monthly email blogs that provide simple actions you can take to protect your favorite outdoor spaces from invasive species and chances to win prizes by taking the suggested actions.
About SLELO PRISM
SLELO PRISM (St. Lawrence–Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) is part of New York State’s collaborative PRISM network, which works to prevent, detect, and manage invasive species to protect native habitats, biodiversity, and freshwater resources. Hosted by The Nature Conservancy, SLELO focuses its efforts in Oneida, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
The statewide PRISM network is funded by the NYS Environmental Protection Fund and coordinated by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and partners. Its mission is to provide a unified, statewide approach to invasive species management by coordinating local partners, training volunteers, conducting outreach, and implementing control and restoration efforts across eight regions.
Learn more about SLELO PRISM at www.sleloinvasives.org.