The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), native to Asia, is a newly-introduced invasive insect that can feed on over 70 plant species, including New York’s apple and grape crops. It could have harmful effects on New York agriculture, forests, and general quality of life. So far, populations have been confirmed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It is important to stay on the lookout for this insect and its preferred host tree, the invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima).

Join the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership to learn all about Spotted Lanternfly, the tree of heaven, and how you can help prevent the spread of this aggressive planthopper by finding and recording its host tree in our region. We'll learn all about their identification, biology and management techniques before diving into a tutorial on iMapInvasives, a free mobile reporting tool for invasive species throughout North America.

This training is ideal for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and wants to learn how to help limit invasive species’ impacts on our shared landscape.

After the workshop we will have a 45 minute break for lunch, before carpooling to Mongaup Campground to survey for tree-of-heaven. You can bring your own lunch, or visit one of the many great restaurants or delis nearby. The group will leave for Mongaup Campground from Morgan Outdoors at 12:45, ending at 2:30 pm.

This training is free, but registration is required. Contact Dan Snider at dsnider@catskillcenter.org to RSVP or with any questions about the event.