Trail Ecology Survey Workshop Part 1: Species ID

Event Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Event Time: 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm
New York- New Jersey Trail Conference Headquarters- Remote Option on Zoom also Possible
600 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 

Would you like to take your invasive species identification skills to the next level to save our natural areas?  Do you want to help find native species that are showing heightened resistance to invasive forest pests and pathogens? Then this workshop is for you!

In this workshop, you will learn to how to identify several high priority invasive plants found along our region's trail system. You will also learn how to identify several invasive forest pests and pathogens, the native host plants they impact, as well as how to find and report plants that are showing heightened resistance to their respective invasive species threats.

Invasive species cause a multitude of problems in our region's natural areas including making these habitats less suitable for native wildlife. This year, Trail Ecology Survey volunteers will be focused on finding and reporting  invasive viburnum and honeysuckle shrubs and the vine English ivy. Surveyors will also be reporting on three forest pests and pathogens, hemlock woolly adelgid, emerald ash borer and beech leaf disease, as well as searching for signs of healthy/potentially resistant hemlock, ash and beech trees, respectively.

Following species ID training, volunteers will conduct monitoring along assigned trail sections that are convenient to their homes and according to a schedule that works for them! Part 2 of this training series will focus on survey protocols and reporting procedures (see events calendar for registration for that subsequent workshop). We will also be offering optional guided nature walks throughout the summer to build confidence and learn together (stay posted for those dates)!

• Format: In person training with Hybrid Zoom option (link will come in confirmation email). In person training is highly recommended, if possible, to build a more community feel to the workshop. 
• Who Should Attend: Curious nature lovers and hikers that want to learn about the diversity of life on the natural areas surrounding trails and how to protect those areas.
• Where to meet: New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Headquarters, 600 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ  07430
• Contact: Brent Boscarino, [email protected]

This Workshop is hosted as part of Trail U.

Attending this workshop will count towards the Expert Ecological Steward curriculum track. Fill out your attendance in the Trail U Brochure to track your progress and earn a patch upon completion!

If you have any questions about Trail U, please email [email protected]