Dear Partners,

Happy Winter. We have openings on our team! We are recruiting for a full-time Invasive Species Communications Coordinator as well as a seasonal Invasive Species Management Steward and a seasonal Forest Pest Research Assistant. See more below.

We are also looking for volunteers! We are kicking off our collaborative hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) survey program with a training on February 16. Join this year’s ADK Hunt for HWA. Last year volunteers surveyed at more than 100 trailheads and recreational access points. Sign up for the training and help us by getting out on the trails this winter. Register here.

I’ll be sharing highlights from our upcoming 2021 Annual Report in the next few editions of this newsletter. Tying in with our search for a communications coordinator, in this issue you will find highlights from our education and outreach programs. Many thanks to Emily-Bell Dinan, APIPP’s former Education and Outreach Coordinator, for her work leading our programs in 2020 and 2021.

Lastly, if you have not yet registered for our virtual Partner Roundtables in February, please make plans to join us: Terrestrial Partners February 8; Aquatic Partners February 10.

2021 Communications and Community Outreach Highlights

Last year APIPP raised awareness about invasive species identification, prevention, and management by partnering with more than two dozen organizations to deliver 31 presentations that reached nearly 1,700 people. In print, digital, radio, and television news, APIPP was mentioned in 26 different stories and our social media presence grew—expanding our ability to communicate the spread-prevention message.

Thanks to our partners, APIPP’s new “Protect Your Forests” and “Protect Your Waters” outreach materials were provided to more than 100 businesses and organizations;  approximately 44,000 brochures and 2,700 posters were distributed. The materials were available at 250 locations including 38 towns, 65 campgrounds, recreational outfitters, trailhead information kiosks, and boat inspection stations.

New boot brush stations were designed for The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Clintonville Pine Barrens, Spring Pond Bog, and Silver Lake Bog preserves and APIPP assisted the Ausable River Association with the development of two new boot brush stations.

Join Our Team: Open Positions

Invasive Species Communications Coordinator

Help APIPP and our partners spread the word about invasive species! We are looking for an experienced communications professional to join our team. (A master’s degree and/or at least five years of experience is preferred). The Communications Coordinator will lead the development and implementation of an annual communications plan, organize APIPP’s annual education calendar, serve as a resource for outreach events held by partners, and much more! The position is based out of TNC’s Keene Valley office and requires on-site work throughout the Adirondacks. For more information go to https://careers.nature.org and search for job ID number 50823. To apply, submit a resume and cover letter online by February 7, 2022.

APIPP Seasonal Forest Pest Research Assistant

The Research Assistant will help address the threat of invasive species on the resiliency of Adirondack forests. The Research Assistant conducts invasive species monitoring, collects and analyzes data, provides education about invasive species, and may help manage invasive species throughout the Adirondack region. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in forestry or natural resource management and experience with forest mensuration techniques are encouraged to apply. This is a 22-week, full-time position. The start date is on or about May 16, 2022. To apply for job ID 50686, submit your materials online at https://careers.nature.org/ by January 31, 2022.

APIPP Adirondack Invasive Species Management Steward

The Invasive Species Management Steward will help reduce the human introduction of invasive species into the Adirondack Park and reduce the spread of invasive species throughout the region. The Management Steward conducts invasive species surveys, collects and analyzes data, provides education about invasive species, and manages invasive species at high-use recreation areas such as campgrounds and trailheads. This is a 15-week, full-time, seasonal position for the summer of 2022. The start date is on or about May 16, 2022. To apply for job ID 50688, submit your materials online at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on January 31, 2022.

“Adirondack Forest Pest Hunters” 2022 HWA Survey Season Kicks Off on February 16

Help survey for hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) this winter. The survey season kicks off on February 16, 2022, with a Zoom webinar from 10:00am-11:30am. The webinar is a great opportunity to learn about HWA and how you can help survey for this invasive insect. Surveys from volunteers provide critical information for determining how far HWA has spread. This workshop will cover basic identification, survey techniques, and how to sign up for a trail to survey. Register here. This is a joint program sponsored by APIPP, Adirondack Mountain Club, Capital Region PRISM, Lake George Land Conservancy, NYS iMapInvasives, and NYS Hemlock Initiative.

I hope your winter is off to a good start. Stay warm this weekend!

Tammara