Earlier this week, Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust joined our partners at the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM) at Montario Point in Lakeview Wildlife Management Area. Together, we rolled up our sleeves to remove invasive American lotus, a plant that is rapidly spreading across the shallow waters there.
While the lotus may look beautiful, it can quickly overwhelm wetlands and open water. Each seed pod can hold dozens of seeds, and those seeds can remain viable for years. Once established, the plants form thick mats that shade out native vegetation, reduce habitat for fish and wildlife, and limit opportunities for boating and fishing. By pulling pods before they drop their seeds, we’re helping slow the spread and protect this special place for both people and nature.
“It’s rewarding to see how a simple act like removing seed pods can make such a difference,” said Heidi Sourwine, Associate Director of Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust. “You realize you’re helping to protect the open water for fish, for paddling, and for the whole community that enjoys these wetlands.”
Why invasive prevention matters for Tug Hill
The spread of invasive species is one of the greatest threats to healthy ecosystems across New York State. On Tug Hill, the risks are particularly significant because the region remains one of the most ecologically intact places in the Northeast. Its core forests are unusually diverse and resilient, supporting a rich array of native plants and wildlife, while still having relatively few invasive species compared to other landscapes. Protecting that intactness is critical. Once invasives gain a foothold, they can quickly alter soil chemistry, disrupt water flow, outcompete native plants, and reduce the diversity that makes Tug Hill so unique.
By working on invasive removal in surrounding areas—wetlands, dunes, and nearshore habitats along Lake Ontario—we’re helping prevent the spread of species that could eventually reach the Plateau’s core forests. This proactive approach is central to the land trust’s mission: safeguarding land and water for the long term by addressing both current challenges and future risks.
How you can help
We’re excited to announce two upcoming restoration planting events with SLELO PRISM. These are rewarding opportunities to connect with nature, meet fellow conservation enthusiasts, and make a lasting impact—one plant at a time.
Friday, October 24 | 9 AM – 2 PM
• Location: Deer Creek Marsh, South Rainbow Shores Road, Pulaski, NY (Google Map)
• Details: This site requires a 1-mile walk through sandy conditions (approximately 30 minutes each way). Plantings will occur within the dunes and riparian areas of Deer Creek.
End times are tentative. Stay tuned for details on the second restoration event!
Saturday, October 25 | 10 AM – 3 PM
• Location: El Dorado Preserve, Grand Jean Road, Henderson, NY (Google Map)
• Details: This site requires a 10-15 minute walk on flat terrain. Plantings will occur in an open field with tall grass and in forested gaps.
✨ Registration is required to join (click to register).
Together, we can protect the wild and beautiful places that make Tug Hill and its surrounding region so special.