Join the Catskill Center’s CRISP Aquatic Invasive Species Manager, Sarah Coney, at the Ethel B. Crawford Library in Monticello for an in-person meeting on Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)—the hidden threat to Catskills waters. Learn which species are making waves, why they matter, and most importantly, what YOU can do to help stop their spread.

Don’t miss this chance to protect the Catskills’ waters and wildlife—knowledge is the first line of defense!

Join us for an engaging, hands-on event to learn how to identify and prevent the spread of invasive species in the CRISP region!

Led by John Thompson, Director of the Catskill Center’s CRISP program, this interactive session will introduce you to key invasive species and how to use the iMapInvasives mobile app to report sightings and monitor spread. Then we’ll head outdoors for a field session to put your new skills into action to identify and report observations of invasives at the Schoharie River Center.

This free training is provided by Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership in collaboration with the Schoharie River Center and the Waterfall Center for Bioregional Learning.

Join us for the CRISP Partner Meeting at the Catskill Center!

Come connect with fellow conservation leaders, land managers, and invasive species experts for a dynamic in-person gathering at the Catskill Center in Arkville. We’ll dive into the latest updates on regional invasive species efforts, explore ongoing projects, and collaborate on key initiatives to protect the Catskills.

Join the Catskill Center’s Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) on August 19th from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, for a hands-on Invasive species removal day! You will be trained on how to identify common invasive plants, the current best practices in removing them, and the impact these species have on our native ecosystems by CRISP Director, John Thompson. 

Earlier this summer, volunteers planted 150 native trees to expand on last year's efforts to restore native habitat along the Ashokan Rail Trail! Now it’s our goal to improve native species diversity in the area to give these young trees the best chance at survival. CRISP volunteers have been managing invasive barberry, bittersweet, buckthorn, and multiflora rose, which can outcompete the native plants. With your help, we’ll continue this work to ensure the newly planted saplings continue to thrive!

This is a very hands-on and often physically demanding event. We will be working off the trail in dense patches of poison ivy, thorn bushes, and old farm debris, as well as working with heavy tools such as pickmatics, loppers, and shovels. We ask that you take these factors into consideration when signing up for this event and wear the proper clothing and shoes. We recommend rubber or waterproof boots, long sleeves, and pants. We also highly recommend using bug spray and sunscreen, as we may be working in broad light gaps and there are many ticks in the area. We will have bug spray and one extra pair of rubber boots on hand if anyone needs. 

Water and snack bars will be provided. There will be a safety demonstration on how to properly use the tools we will be working with. 

We will meet at the Ashokan Station trailhead at 9:00 am, have a quick orientation, and walk 5 minutes down the trail to the worksite. We will be working until 12:00pm, but you are free to leave earlier if needed.

Ever wondered what those bright yellow iris’ or feathery looking plants that clogs up waterways are?

Well, join the Catskill Center’s CRISP Aquatic Invasive Species Manager, Sarah Coney, and the Otsego County Conservation Association to ‘Sus’ out invaders in the Susquehanna River.  We’ll focus on invasive plant and animal species found in the Susquehanna River, how they were introduced, how they impact the environment (and us!), and how to ID them, all while enjoying a leisurely three mile paddle down the Susquehanna.  This stretch of river is slow, meandering, and friendly to most levels of boating experience—just keep in mind it covers 3 miles.

Participants are asked to bring their own watercraft (Cleaned, Drained, and Dried!) and should plan to be on the river for about three hours.  We encourage participants to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and whatever else you need to stay safe and have a good time on the water!

If you do not have your own watercraft, visit Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Sales in Portlandville or call (607-286-7349) for information on renting one.

The paddle will start at the DEC Crumhorn Fishing Access site in Maryland, NY, and end at the DEC Portlandville Fishing Access Site in Portlandville, NY. We are unable to provide transportation from the DEC Portlandville Fishing Access Site back to the DEC Crumhorn Fishing Access site, so please be sure you have planned for this.

We’ve planted over 150 native trees along the Ashokan Rail Trail—now it’s time to help them thrive! Join us on August 4th for a hands-on volunteer workday at the Ashokan Rail Trail where we’ll tackle invasive species that threaten their survival.

Working alongside the  Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership Director, John Thompson, you’ll learn how to ID invasive plants,  remove them, and  document them through IMapInvasives. Our hopes are to tackle removing the invasive plants such as Barberry, Bittersweet, and Multiflora Rose that are taking away key nutrients, sunlight, and water that our native plants need to survive.

This is a very hands-on and sometimes physically demanding event. We will be working in an area off the trail with dense patches of poison ivy, thorn bushes, and old farm debris that can make it hazardous, as well as working with heavy tools such as pickmatics, loppers, and shovels. We ask that you take these factors into consideration when signing up for this event and wear the proper clothing and shoes. We recommend rubber or waterproof boots, long sleeves, and pants. We also HIGHLY recommend using bug spray and sunscreen, as there are many ticks in the area we are working in. We will have bug spray and one extra pair of rubber boots on hand if anyone needs. 

Water, snack bars will be provided. There will be a safety demonstration on how to properly use the tools we will be working with. 

We will meet at the Ashokan Station trailhead at 9 am, have a quick orientation, and walk 5 minutes down the trail to the worksite. We will be working till 12 pm, but feel free to leave earlier if needed.

Join us for an engaging, hands-on event to learn how to identify and prevent the spread of invasive species in the Catskills!

Led by John Thompson, Director of the Catskill Center’s CRISP program, this interactive session will introduce you to key invasive species and how to use the iMapInvasives mobile app to report sightings and monitor spread. Then we’ll head outdoors for a field session to put your new skills into action.

Dress for the weather and be prepared to explore the woods—we’ll be getting up close with the plants we’re working to protect our forests from!

Join us on July 22nd, 2025, from 9 am - 12 pm at the Shokan Station Trailhead of the Ashokan Rail Trail for a hands-on volunteer day! Learn how to use ImapInvasives, I.D. plants, and help pull invasive plants from the area we’ve been planting native trees in! John Thompson, Director of the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership, will be there to lead the IMapInvasive and plant I.D. 

Your efforts will create space for the native trees to grow and thrive without having their sunlight, nutrients, and water taken by invasive species such as Multiflora Rose, Barberry, Bittersweet, and so much more! By the end of the workday, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of local plant species and the knowledge that your work has made a real impact.

There will be a quick 3-minute walk to the site, but for the most part, we will be working in tall grass, where poison ivy and thorn bushes grow. Please dress appropriately; no open-toed shoes, specifically sandals, flip flops, or Crocs. We suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, lunch, or a snack. Granola bars will be available as well. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. 

Given how the weather has been lately, you will receive an email about whether the event will still be on or not due to inclement weather the day prior by 5 pm.

Are you an intern or early career professional working in the environmental field? Join the Catskill Center and the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) for an afternoon of connection, career exploration, and skill-building in the heart of the Catskills.

Kick off the event with a bring-your-own picnic lunch mixer, then dive into presentations, workshops, a career Q&A panel, and networking opportunities with professionals from environmental organizations and agencies across the region. Learn about job paths, improve your resume and interview skills, and discover what it takes to build a meaningful career in environmental conservation.

Whether you're just getting started or exploring your next step, this event is designed to help you grow your network and your future in the field.

This is a free event, but please be sure to register.

What invasive plants and forest pests are threatening the health of our local ecosystems? Join John Thompson, Director of the Catskill Center’s Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP), for an eye-opening talk on the invasive species spreading through our community.

Learn how to identify both common and lesser-known invasive species, understand their impact on our environment, and discover practical ways you can help stop their spread and protect the Catskills you love.

June 15th is the last Volunteer Day for the Ashokan Rail Trail Habitat Restoration! Come out and help the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership team plant native saplings!

Whether it’s your first time or third time volunteering, or you’re a seasoned volunteer, your time and effort will get us one step closer to our goal of planting over 100 trees and removing over a ¼ acre of invasive species in this season alone! Providing food, home, and healthy habitats for both humans and wildlife, we wouldn’t have made this difference without you, thank you! 

Join us on June 15th, from 9 am to 12 pm at the Ashokan Station Trailhead. Let’s make this season's last planting the best one yet!

There will be training on iMapInvasives, as well as proper tool use, removal and planting methods, and more before we head to the work site. We will be providing and using tools such as loppers, pick mattocks, hand trowels, etc. 

There will be a quick 3-minute walk to the site, but for the most part, we will be working in tall grass, where poison ivy and thorn bushes grow. Please dress appropriately; no open-toed shoes, specifically sandals, flip flops, or Crocs. We suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, lunch, or a snack. Granola bars will be available as well. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. 

Important: If possible, please fill out the waivers linked on Civic Champs before the event. There will also be printouts available, but we want you to have ample time to have training and plant instead of doing paperwork. We suggest you have them filled out prior to the event.

Celebrate NY Invasive Species Awareness Week by volunteering with the Catskill Center’s  CRISP program, the Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA), and the Capital Region PRISM to pull invasive European Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) at Weaver and Summit Lakes.  

Frogbit has been found in several waterbodies in the Upper Susquehanna, just north of Otsego Lake and has been spreading rapidly in the past few years. We need your help keeping the public launches clear of frogbit and open for recreation while also helping to reduce the spread of this invasive.

We recommend participants bring their own watercrafts, however, we will have extra kayaks and waders to provide for those who need.  Bring plenty of water and prepare to get muddy!

It's the second-to-last Volunteer Day for the Ashokan Rail Trail Habitat Restoration! Come out and help the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership team plant native saplings! Last year, our volunteers planted 180 trees and removed half an acre of invasive species, and we hope to do more with your help!

Join us on June 12th, from 9 am to 12 pm at the Ashokan Station Trailhead. Let’s make a difference together!

There will be training on iMapInvasives, as well as proper tool use, removal and planting methods, and more before we head to the work site. We will be providing and using tools such as loppers, pick mattocks, hand trowels, etc. 

There will be a quick 3-minute walk to the site, but for the most part, we will be working in tall grass, where poison ivy and thorn bushes grow. Please dress appropriately; no open-toed shoes, specifically sandals, flip flops, or Crocs. We suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, lunch, or a snack. Granola bars will be available as well. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. 

Important: Please be sure to fill out all waivers prior to the event, cell reception can be spotty, and we do not want to turn you away if you’re unable to sign them on location.

Join the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) and NYC DEP foresters for a guided, 1-mile walk along the Ashokan Rail Trail to explore innovative forest restoration projects in action.

Learn how experts are tackling invasive species, deer pressure, and emerging threats like beech leaf disease. You'll visit a deer exclosure experiment, hear about a planned slash wall, and discover proactive strategies you can apply to your own land. Plus, get an update on local volunteer efforts to restore areas impacted by emerald ash borer.

Participants should wear sturdy footwear, long pants and sleeves, insect protection, and bring plenty of water.

Join the partners of the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) for an in-person summer meeting at the Catskills Visitor Center. We'll share updates on invasive species management efforts across the region, discuss ongoing projects, and connect on key strategies for the season ahead.

The meeting will also include a preview of the afternoon’s Ashokan Forestry Walk, giving attendees a chance to explore practical, on-the-ground forest management techniques.

June is National Great Outdoors Month—what better way to celebrate than by giving back to the land you love?! Join the Catskills Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) on the Ashokan Rail Trail to help restore the native habitat, learn about invasive species, and plant trees like Red Maple and Swamp White Oak. Discover how invasives impact the scenic vistas and viewpoints you enjoy on trails like these—and how you can make a difference with every sapling you plant.

Join us on June 8th, from 9 am-12 pm at the Ashokan Station trailhead where we will be continuing our effort of planting native trees to help restore the habitat along the Ashokan Rail Trail which has been overrun with invasive species.

There will be training on iMapInvasives, as well as proper tool use, removal and planting methods, and more before we head to the work site. We will be providing and using tools such as loppers, pick mattocks, hand trowels, etc. 

There will be a quick 3-minute walk to the site, but for the most part, we will be working in tall grass, where poison ivy and thorn bushes grow. Please dress appropriately; no open-toed shoes, specifically sandals, flip flops, or Crocs. We suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, lunch, or a snack. Granola bars will be available as well. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. 

Important: Please be sure to fill out all waivers prior to the event, cell reception can be spotty, and we do not want to turn you away if you’re unable to sign them on location.

Join the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) for a guided walk along the new Nature Preserve Pathway at the Catskill Water Discovery Center!

On this educational tour, CRISP Terrestrial Invasive Species Manager Dan Snider-Nerp will lead a short presentation followed by an engaging walk through the preserve, highlighting the impact of riparian invasive plants on native ecosystems. You'll learn how to identify key invasive species, understand their ecological effects, and explore best practices for managing them—both at home and in the field.

We’ll also discuss the Discovery Center’s ongoing stewardship efforts and how the community can play a role in protecting the Catskills' rich natural resources.

Advance registration is required, with a $10 suggested donation

Join us on June 7th from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Ashokan Station Trailhead to plant native tree saplings from Catskill Native Nursery. We will be planting Black Gum, Red Maple and Swamp White Oak, all native trees to the Catskills that bring unique benefits to the Ashokan Rail Trail. 

Black Gum has flowers that honey bees love to visit, Red Maple absorbs CO2 due to its rapid growth rate, and Swamp White Oak provides an abundance of acorns as food for the local wildlife. Each tree you plant has an impact. Help us plant as many as we can this season! 

There will be training on iMapInvasives, as well as proper tool use, removal and planting methods, and more. We will be providing and using tools such as loppers, pick mattocks, hand trowels, etc. 

There will be a quick 3-minute walk to the site, but for the most part, we will be working in tall grass, where poison ivy and thorn bushes grow. Please dress appropriately; no open-toed shoes, specifically sandals, flip flops, or Crocs. We suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, lunch, or a snack. Granola bars will be available as well. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. 

Please be sure to fill out all waivers prior to the event. Cell service can be spotty, and we may have to turn you away if you don’t sign the waivers ahead of time.

Join us on May 31st from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Ashokan Station Trailhead to plant native tree saplings from Catskill Native Nursery.

May is Clean Air month, by restoring the native habitat along the Ashokan Rail Trail you are also helping to restore the clean air in the area! Help the Catskill Regional Invasive Partnership Strike Team in planting native trees from Catskill Native Nursery, including Swamp White Oak which is a natural air purifier. Their leaves absorb Carbon Monoxide and release Oxygen! Come help us make a difference!

There will be training on iMapInvasives, as well as proper tool use, removal and planting methods, and more before we head to the work site. We will be providing and using tools such as loppers, pick mattocks, hand trowels, etc. 

There will be a quick 3-minute walk to the site, but for the most part, we will be working in tall grass, where poison ivy and thorn bushes grow. Please dress appropriately; no open-toed shoes, specifically sandals, flip flops, or Crocs. We suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, lunch, or a snack. Granola bars will be available as well. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. 

Important: Please be sure to fill out all waivers prior to the event, cell reception can be spotty, and we do not want to turn you away if you’re unable to sign them on location.

Join Catskill Regional Invasvie Species (CRISP) staff for an afternoon of planting native trees and shrubs to protect local water quality and native habitats!

Six years ago, Catskill Center staff and volunteers planted 800 trees and shrubs along the riparian buffer at the Thorn Preserve to help reduce flooding and erosion and increase forested riparian habitat for native wildlife. This spring, we are supplementing that effort with 80 new trees and shrubs at the southwest corner of the Preserve along the Sawkill Creek.

CRISP will provide tools and gloves, but be ready to get dirty! Please bring your water, sunscreen, a hat, and wear long pants and long sleeves. Don't forget to do a tick-check at the end of the day! The planting area has little shade, but there are shaded areas nearby and we encourage volunteers to take frequent breaks as needed to stay cool and prevent heat related illness.

We'll meet at the main parking area at the Thorn Preserve at 1:30 PM, before walking down to the planting area as a group. Latecomers can join us at the southwest corner of the Preserve, near the John Joy Rd. bridge.

In honor of “Be Kind to Animals Month,” help the critters along the Ashokan Rail Trail by removing invasive plants and planting natives to restore their habitat! Restoring native plant communities has a positive impact by improving access to food resources, shelter, nesting materials, and breeding habitat for native wildlife—while also helping to prevent invasive monocultures from taking over.

Work alongside the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) in a hands-on effort to restore sections of the trail along the Ashokan Rail Trail. Join us on May 17th from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Ashokan Station Trailhead to identify and remove invasive species.

During the first half of the day, we’ll use iMapInvasives to log the areas where invasives are spotted and remove them from the area! After a break, we will plant some of the saplings in the holes you’ve prepared and install posts and fencing around each to protect them from the various elements. 

There will be training on iMapInvasives, as well as proper tool use, removal and planting methods, and more before we head to the work site. We will be providing and using tools such as loppers, pick mattocks, hand trowels, etc. 

There will be a quick 3-minute walk to the site, but for the most part, we will be working in tall grass, where poison ivy and thorn bushes grow. Please dress appropriately; no open-toed shoes, specifically sandals, flip flops, or Crocs. We suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, lunch, or a snack. Granola bars will be available as well. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. 

Important: Please be sure to fill out all waivers prior to the event, cell reception can be spotty, and we do not want to turn you away if you’re unable to sign them on location.

Have you ever walked along the Ashokan Rail Trail and thought, "What is this plant taking over the whole area?!”

Join the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) on May 10, 2025 for a hands-on effort to identify and remove invasive species along the Ashokan Rail Trail.

We’ll meet at the Ashokan Station Trailhead at 9:00 AM. There will be training on IMapInvasives, as well as proper tool use, removal methods, and more before we head to the work site. We will be providing and using tools such as loppers, pick mattocks, hand trowels, and more to clear invasives. 

Expect a quick 3-minute walk to the site, followed by work in tall grass where poison ivy and thorny shrubs are present—so please dress appropriately. No open-toed shoes, specifically sandals, flip-flops, or crocs. We suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, and lunch or a snack, though granola bars will be provided. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. 

Important: Please be sure to fill out all waivers prior to the event, cell reception can be spotty, and we do not want to turn you away if you’re unable to sign them on location.

Join the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) along the Ashokan Rail Trail on April 22, 2025 to learn how to identify and remove invasive species—and help us restore this area in honor of Earth Day!

We’ll meet at the Ashokan Station Trailhead at 9:00 AM. There will be training on iMapInvasives, proper tool use, and removal methods. Expect a quick 3-minute walk to the removal site, followed by work in tall grass where poison ivy and thorn bushes are present—so please dress appropriately. No open-toed shoes, specifically sandals, flip-flops, or crocs. 

We suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, and lunch or a snack, though granola bars will be provided. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. 

Important: Please be sure to fill out all waivers prior to the event, cell reception can be spotty, and we do not want to turn you away if you’re unable to sign them on location.

Winter is still a great time to check for some invasive species! With a little know-how, you can spot species like beech leaf disease and spotted lanternfly even when there is snow on the ground! Join CRISP staff during National Invasive Species Awareness Week on February 24th 5:30-6:30 for a virtual discussion and training on these two invasive species, updates on their spread and management, how to survey for them, and what to do if you find them!

Register here: https://events.civicchamps.com/organizations/2972/opportunities/eyJvcHBvcnR1bml0eUlkIjoxOTY0OSwiZGF0ZSI6IjIwMjUtMDItMjQifQ==

The link to join the meeting will be sent out via email the day before and 30 minutes prior to the training.

Our featured speaker, Steven Schwartz, will present his findings from a multiphase knotweed management and research project that he managed with Friends of the Upper Delaware. The management goal was to introduce private landowners to various ways to control knotweed and help them to set management objectives. Three demonstration sites were established with 5 treatments in each site. The research focused on determining the extent of knotweed in the Upper Delaware River watershed, the distribution of the three species of knotweed, and the effect of knotweed establishment on soil retention and sediment transport which may impact water quality.

Steven Schwartz is a resident of the Upper Delaware River watershed living on 20 acres of forested riverfront in Equinunk, PA. His career has included stints working in land conservation, the development of office buildings for nonprofits, web development and technology startups. His property supports a robust stand of ramps (wild leeks) which he sells to restaurants and also offers Ramps U-Pick where people come to learn about ramps, how to sustainably harvest, and then dig some for their culinary needs or to transplant onto their property. The property also hosts a number of invasive species including Japanese Knotweed. Over the last 18 years he has struggled to manage and control it along with other invasives.

During the meeting, Partners will share findings in invasive species outreach and management in the Catskills.

Join OCCA and CRISP for another morning of pulling invasive water chestnuts from Goodyear Lake!

Meet at the New York State Fishing Access Site at Portlandville.

Bring your own watercraft, or reserve a space in an OCCA canoe. If you’ve never seen water chestnut, don’t worry—we’ll show you what to look for and how to remove it. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Please use the form below to sign up (it’s free) and be sure to let us know if you need space in a canoe.