Response
Cornell Cooperative Extension Nassau implemented a volunteer-led oyster gardening program to restore oyster populations and improve water quality in the Long Island Sound. The program enables residents and local organizations to host oyster gardens at accessible dock sites, expanding participation beyond waterfront property owners. In preparation for the 2025 growing season, CCE Nassau partnered with the Town of North Hempstead to distribute informational packets to 357 residents and businesses with dock access. Public sessions engaged 77 participants, and staff briefed the Great Neck Officials Association while training approximately 100 site coordinators and volunteers.
With support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Long Island Sound Futures Fund, five mini-grants were awarded to expand youth engagement, volunteer participation and new oyster garden sites across the region.
“The Village of Port Washington North is grateful at the opportunity to partner with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County and Transition Town to grow oysters at our Bay Walk Park Pier. Continuing the great work done by Town Councilperson Mariann Dalimonte, this project will help to clean the waters of Manhasset Bay and engage and educate our community on the benefits of Oyster Gardening and preserve the Bay for future generations,” said Mayor Robert Weitzner, Village of Port Washington North.
Results
The Capital Region Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (CR-PRISM), hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County, coordinated prevention and management efforts across 11 counties under the New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan. In 2025, CR-PRISM collaborated with 59 partners and participated in 69 interagency work groups to strengthen regional coordination. Prevention efforts included inspecting 9,263 watercraft, educating 14,825 recreational users and intercepting 611 aquatic invasive species. Detection activities included terrestrial surveys covering 3,612.5 acres and aquatic monitoring across more than 6,000 acres, including macrophyte surveys and approximately 70 environmental DNA samples. Management actions addressed 265 acres, including 140 acres receiving new treatment. Aquatic response crews removed more than 4.6 tons of water chestnut biomass from priority sites. Education and outreach included 63 programs reaching 3,464 participants and training 453 volunteers who contributed 2,294 service hours.
Public Value
The Capital Region Invasive Species Management project protects New York’s natural resources, working lands and recreational waters from the long-term costs of invasive species. By coordinating prevention, early detection, rapid response and education across jurisdictions, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County and its partners reduce future management expenses, safeguard biodiversity and strengthen community capacity to steward the Capital Region’s ecosystems for future generations.
The CR-PRISM is financially supported by the Environmental Protection Fund, as administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC). The Capital Region PRISM is one of eight Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management or PRISMs in New York State.
