Invasive Species Summit_11062015_Afternoon Session Education and Outreach

Moderated by: Carol Capobianco, Director of The Native Plant Center.  Carol is responsible for providing leadership in advancing the Center’s work of advocating the use of native plants. Carol cultivated her interest in native plants and an understanding of their ecological significance through her work at nature-based organizations: The New York Botanical Garden, the National Audubon Society, and Groundwork Hudson Valley. In addition to her professional work, she is Chair of the Conservation Advisory Council for the City of Peekskill and is a past president of the Hudson River Audubon Society.

Engaging new audiences and delivering education that communicates the positive impacts of invasive species management on ecosystems and clear steps for action on personal and community levels is key for successful regional conservation and invasive species management. This session will consist of short-talks on topics related to education and outreach on invasive species and conservation in the Lower Hudson Region followed by a panel discussion. Selected short talks were:

1. “Invasive species & Grass-roots activism”, Carolynn Sears, The Invasives Project-Pound Ridge

2. “The Invaders Board Game”, George Profous, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

3. “A New Guide to Restoring Forests”, Jennifer Greenfeld, NYC Parks and Recreation

In summary, the session focused on how PRISM reaches and teaches people about invasive species, successful forms of communication, and ways to expand the choir—how to engage others at the individual, organizational, and community-wide levels. As with any issue, there is a continuum or progression of learning and caring: first becoming aware of the issue, then growing in understanding, and then taking action to make a difference. The three speakers offered diverse approaches: a unique way an educator taught the broader issue of invasive species and their pathway into the country; a guidebook written to reach urban land managers, and efforts to get local people to act.  The audience seemed interested in all three projects and several gave their names on a sign-up sheet to learn more information through PRISM.