This season, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Trail Stewards assisted both the Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasives Strike Force (ISF) crews with removal projects - from reigning in pounds and pounds of water chestnut to helping remove 754 (yup, over seven HUNDRED) scotch broom plants! By spending time with the ISF crews, the Stewards also expanded their knowledge and ability to teach others about invasive species. At some locations the Trail Stewards interact with upwards of 1,000 visitors a day! This puts the Stewards in the perfect position to provide information and share simple steps with the public to help prevent the spread of invasive species - like utilizing a boot brush and cleaning gear and pets before and after hiking. We love to see these moments of synergy between our programs and are thrilled the ISF crews and Trail Stewards were able to learn a thing or two from each other along the way. Special shoutout to Myra, Trail Steward Program Coordinator, for helping make these synergies possible! |