Opportunity #1: Join the Squash Squad! As part of the Squash Squad, you will receive an assignment to visit one of the known infestation areas in our region and start squashing bugs. After receiving your squashing assignment, we ask all Squash Squad volunteers to touch base with us to let us know when they were at the site, how many hours they dedicated to the effort, and how many SLF were removed/squashed! We will also provide guidance on how to check your equipment and clothing carefully to ensure you don't bring back any bugs with you! Opportunity #2: Become a Spot the Spotted Lanternfly Survey Volunteer: If you are interested in joining our SLF survey effort, check out our Spot the Spotted Lanternfly Training Workshop: Adult SLF and Host Tree Identification and Reporting webinar. In this webinar, you will be introduced to the basics of SLF biology and life cycle, the threats the insect poses to our region's ecosystems and economy, identification tips for adult SLF and its primary host tree, tree-of-heaven, as well as how to report your findings to iMapInvasives, the official reporting app and database for New York State. Following the training, volunteers will receive a specific assignment to survey for spotted lanternfly surrounding a parking area and/or trailhead that is convenient to your home or near a trail you've been wanting to explore. Opportunity #3: SLF Trap Checker: We need your help in checking and counting what was captured at the traps we have placed at the infestation sites in New York. Volunteers will be assigned a handful of traps to check once every two weeks to report the overall number caught, the date the traps were checked, and how many hours were dedicated to the effort. Opportunity #4: Donate to the Effort: You can also play a vital role in our efforts to stop spotted lanternfly, just by donating to our Ecological Stewardship Fund. The fund ensures our team is supported and ready for action when invasives pose an urgent threat to the ecosystems in our area. If you are interested in one of the above opportunities, please email us at [email protected] and we will get you signed up and ready to go! |