Trail Ecology Survey Workshop Part 1: Species ID
(Hybrid event)
Event Date: Wednesday, May 13, 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 season, Trail Ecology Survey volunteers will be focused on finding and reporting reporting on healthy ash and beech trees that seem to be thriving in the face of intensive forest pest pressure. In addition, volunteers will also monitor the health of northern spicebush populations, a key native shrub threatened by a newly arrived forest pathogen, laurel wilt. Lastly, invasive Wisteria vines and nonnative privet shrubs are also on this year’s plant survey list as these species are posing increasing threats to ecosystem health in our region’s park systems.
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]
Register
Standard registration
