Spotted lanternfly, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org

Photo of a spongy moth caterpillar
by Karla Salp, Washington State
Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
Image by Karla Salp

Photo of a spongy moth caterpillar, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org

Howard Russell, MI State U.
www.forestryimages.org
Image by Howard Russell

MI State U., www.forestryimages.org

Japanese knotweed, Tom Heutte, USDA Forest Service
Image by Tom Heutte

Japanese knotweed, USDA Forest Service

Adult Jumping Worm. The smooth clitellum or band distinguishes it from other earthworm species. Photo Credit: Susan Day, UW Madison Arboretum.
Image by Susan Day

Adult Jumping Worm. The smooth clitellum or band distinguishes it from other earthworm species.

Invasive Species

An "invasive species" is defined as a species that is: 1) non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and 2) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Invasive species can be plants, animals, and other organisms (e.g., microbes).

When an invasive species is introduced into an area, there are often no predators or biological factors present to keep population numbers or growth in check. This can wreak havoc for native landscapes and species, destroying biodiversity and disrupting ecosystem processes. They can even cause problems in our own yards and gardens. Some plants, like Giant Hogweed, can also be toxic to the health of humans. It is important that residents of Sullivan County are aware of these invasive species so we don’t inadvertently spread them, and so that we can report their presence to managing organizations.

If you find an invasive species, please report directly to: iMapInvasives Network

If you need help identifying a suspected invasive species, please contact Horticulture program coordinator Katie Gasior at (845) 292-6180 or kmg287@Cornell.edu

More information and Resources on Invasive Species

Spotted Lanternfly | Agriculture and Markets (ny.gov)

CRISP (catskillinvasives.com)

Invasive Plants & Pests | Cornell Garden-Based Learning

Find and Report Invasive Species - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation

About Invasive Species | National Invasive Species Information Center

New York Invasive Species Information – New York State's gateway to science-based invasive species information (nyis.info)

Nuisance & Invasive Species - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation

Contact

Katie Gasior
Horticulture Subject Educator
kmg287@cornell.edu
(845) 292-6180 Ext. 123

Last updated February 13, 2023