The emerald ash borer is an insect that threatens all species of ash tree in Western New York

New York’s native ecosystem is under attack. Invasive species such as zebra mussels, round gobies, and water chestnuts threaten our waterways; garlic mustard and Japanese knotweed threaten our beautiful native flora; and even our beautiful ash trees are in danger from the emerald ash borer.

The Great Lakes Center at SUNY Buffalo State received a five-year $1.1 million grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to establish a Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) office in Western New York. The office will establish a surveillance network, perform training, arrange workshops, and develop a volunteer team for monitoring invasive species. It will also coordinate activities of existing environmental groups that are addressing invasive species and the ensuing damage.

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