Community expo in Saratoga Springs highlights threat of invasive species

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Families in Saratoga Springs got a hands-on lesson on Sunday on how to protect New York’s natural resources from invasive species.

Invasive species can look very different from one another. Thats why organizers brought in some costumed characters to help people recognize the threats.

“I am Beatrice Beech Leaf Disease, and I am Munchy the Asian long horned beetle. We are bad bugs,” said the costumed characters.

This expo is hosted every two years and it’s a three-day event and this was day one. Josh Thiel from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation says it’s like an oversized conference.

“We supersize the conference concept with the intent to have engaging, exciting content for the public professionals, academics, students to learn about invasive species and talk about all the surrounding topics,” said Thiel.

According to experts at the expo, invasive species are non-native species that cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.

Unfortunately, there are many invasive species in the Captial Region. One of the biggest threats experts are watching closely right now is the spotted lanternfly.

“Invasive species are widespread. Some of them are a higher threat than others. But there are things that people can do, even in small scales in their local communities or parks, their preserves, or even in their own backyard,” said Kris Williams, Coordinator of the Capital Region Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management. 

If you see an invasive species, you can take a picture and document it in the imapInvasives app. Not only that, but you can learn about the ones in your area as well. Due to resources like this specialist mentioned it has helped professionals a lot.

“The professionals can’t get to all the areas in the states; we rely heavily on community scientists to check those areas that are not checked by professionals. And they’re the ones that are out there finding a lot of these underreported or priority species that haven’t been found in other areas,” said Douglas Knoph, Invasive Species Project Specialist of New York Natural Heritage Program.

Visitors saw live examples of invasive species from insects and plants to fish. They even took part in workshops led by local groups, including New York’s eight PRISMs that specialize in invasive species management

This expo will continue in Saratoga Spring on Monday and Tuesday–giving more people the chance to learn about the impacts invasive species cause and what we can do as a community to help.