Invasive Species Week Is Here: Town Urges Residents To Stop The Spread

TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD, NY — New York's Invasive Species Awareness Week takes place this week from June 8 to June 14, and Town of North Hempstead officials are working to educate residents about the harm invasive species can cause to their neighborhood.

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board are spreading the word about how residents can protect their home gardens from invasive species.

Some species that are considered invasive to the Town of North Hempstead as follows:

• Japanese barberry
• Butterfly bush
• Burning bush
• English ivy
• Norway maple
• Chinese and Japanese wisteria.

Invasive animals in the Town of North Hempstead:

• Spotted lanterfly

• Emerald Ash Borer
• Jumping worms
• Hemlock wooly adelgid
• Red-eared slider turtles

"These species threaten Long Island's biodiversity, agriculture, and outdoor recreation," Supervisor DeSena said. "By learning about them, removing them, replacing invasive plants with natives, reporting sightings, and educating others, we can all help prevent and limit their spread."

Town officials said they have been working to remove invasive plant species at certain spots in North Hempstead, including at Gerry Pond Park in Roslyn. Officials also said they have been working to get rid of common reed grass that has grown in the upper pond area of the park, and they have plans to plant native wetland trees and shrubs in its place.

There are ways to stay active in fending off invasive species, including identifying and reporting these plants and animals via iMpInvasives or iNaturalist.

Residents can also remove and replace invasive species with native plants. This is part of a rebate program where residents can receive $350 for planting a native plant garden.

Town officials are urging residents to report stores that are selling prohibited or regulated invasive plants to the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.

"Learn which plants are invasive and do not purchase them," officials said.

More information can be found online.