ONLINE — Approximately 42 percent of threatened or endangered plant and animal species native to the region are at risk due to invasive species. To warn and update local residents on what invasives are and how they are affecting our environmental habitats, Horticulture Program educator Katie Gasior will host a webinar through Zoom on the invasive plant and animal species in our area. 

The webinar will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17.

Participants will learn what makes plants such as the tree of heaven and Hydrilla, and animals like feral swine, invasive species in Sullivan County. Topics to be covered include an overview of invasive plant and animal species to be on the lookout for and the dangers they pose to the natural habitats in our region. Additionally, participants will learn why invasive species are among the leading threats to native wildlife and what they can do to protect the native species of Sullivan County. A question-and-answer session on the topics covered will close out the class.

There is no fee, but preregistration is required to participate. Participants can register online at www.sullivancce.org/events. After registering, participants will receive a Zoom link to join each session by computer or phone. 

Those with related questions can find more details at www.sullivancce.org/events, email sullivan@cornell.edu or call 845/292-6180 for assistance.

The workshop is grant-funded, supported by the State’s Environmental Protection Fund and administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health Program.