BOLTON LANDING, N.Y. – With the summer recreation season already here, environmental advocates in the Adirondacks are warning the public about the threat of invasive species.

As part of its new Keep Invasive Species Out public awareness campaign, the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) held on Tuesday its first training session of the summer in Bolton Landing.

Attended by both volunteers and members of other environmental organizations, the training teaches how to properly tell the difference between invasive and native species. It also teaches tactics like cleaning, draining and drying boats that help stop the spread of harmful plant and animal species. 

"It’s very important,” said Brendan Quirion, APIPP’s program director. “It is one of the greatest threats to the Adirondacks and New York State, but there are very simple things anyone can do to make sure they are protecting the places they love."

With more people hiking and camping in the Adirondacks than ever before, the program is also placing an increased emphasis on terrestrial invasive species that grow and live on land.