In a bittersweet moment for the entire Invasives Strike Force Crew team, the 2021 field season has officially come to a close. In reflecting on the past year, it is amazing to think of everything this Crew accomplished. From the get-go, we set forth to maximize our efficiency and use of personnel and resources with an eye towards career training and ecological sustainability. New training documents were drafted, protocols were adjusted, and professional development opportunities were increased. It was also the first year our crew leader was on for an extra two months to help with project management. In an inspiring step forward for our ISF program, the crew also took on more restoration projects than ever before. We did it all – collected seeds, nurtured the seedlings, and planted natives at various restoration sites. And we can’t forget all the multitasking and prioritizing! The crew traveled all over the Lower Hudson Valley to complete 35 projects managing a wide variety of invasive plant species. In the midst of an already jam-packed plant management season, the ISF also took on the high priority task of mitigating spotted lanternfly! Of course, not all went according to plan. There were disappointing discoveries this year, like finding Chinese bushclover at either end of a pipeline corridor while scouting for spotted lanternfly, but there were also exhilarating victories, like realizing we connected two giant hogweed management areas, completely treating the site for over 7,000 plants managed. All in all, everything that happened this year was a result of careful planning and adaptability in the face of adversity. This wildly successful season resulted in 419 acres surveyed and 101,000 plants managed over 114 acres, all the while engaging 236 volunteers over 39 workdays! After all our hard work, the time has come for the departing Corps members to take everything they’ve learned and bring their passion for protecting nature to new opportunities! A huge thank you and congratulations are in order to the ISF Crew for all they accomplished this season. We wish you the best of luck with the next steps in your lives and look forward to hearing about your adventures! |