DEC and Partners Host Second Statewide Invasive Species Expo at Saratoga Spa State Park Sept. 14-16

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the 2025 New York State Invasive Species Expo at the Saratoga Spa State Park, a three-day event held Sept. 14 through 16. Hosted biennially by DEC, with State partners Agriculture and Markets (AGM), and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks), the Expo is an opportunity to bring natural resource professionals and practitioners together with the public to discuss invasive species and the impact they have on New York's environment and communities.

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, "Empowering New Yorkers with the knowledge, tools, and partnerships to respond to invasive threats to our lands and waters is critically important to prevent introduction and spread. Through collaboration, education, and action, DEC and our valued partners are safeguarding New York's ecosystems and preserving the health and resilience of our communities and the second New York Invasive Species Expo once again offers hands-on, engaging experiences for professionals and the public alike."

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "The New York State Invasive Species Expo is a true testament to the incredible partnerships we have here in New York State to help stop the spread of harmful invasive species, with our State agencies, organizations like Cornell's Integrated Pest Management Program, and New Yorkers all representing a critical part of this effort. This Expo is a great opportunity to learn more about what we can all do to stop the spread of harmful pests like Spotted Lanternfly, the Asian Longhorned Beetle, the European Cherry Fruit Fly, and many more. I thank all of our partners and encourage everyone to learn more about how they can help to protect our agricultural industries and our environment."

State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, "I'm thrilled to welcome participants back to Saratoga Spa State Park for the New York State Invasive Species Expo. Invasive species threaten the health of our ecosystems and the quality of outdoor recreation across New York. It's inspiring to see dedicated professionals from government and private sector organizations coming together to share knowledge and strengthen our collective response to this growing challenge.

The Expo begins with a Community Conservation Day on Sept. 14 at the Saratoga Farmer's Market and continues on Sept. 15 and 16 at the Roosevelt Campus where attendees can learn about the latest developments in invasive species management through a combination of classic presentations, interactive demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and field trips.

New York is particularly vulnerable to invasive species due to its rich biodiversity and the state's role as a center for international trade and travel. Once established, invasive species, including forest pests and pathogens like emerald ash borer and hemlock woolly adelgid, and aquatic invasive species such as hydrilla and round goby, can spread rapidly through a region causing harm to the environment, human health, and the economy. New York State agencies and their many partners are working closely to combat the introduction and spread of these species. The New York Invasive Species Expo demonstrates the state's leading and proactive role in this ongoing effort.

In Governor Kathy Hochul's enacted 2025-26 State Budget, the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) includes $18.5 million targeted specifically for invasive species-related initiatives within New York State. This year, the EPF was increased overall to $425 million, the highest level of funding in the program's history. The EPF also provides funding for critical environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, enhanced recreational access, water quality improvement, and an aggressive environmental justice agenda.

For more information visit the New York Invasive Species Clearinghouse website: NY IS Expo.