Invasive Species

Because they were monitoring the Hudson River before the arrival of zebra mussels, Cary Institute scientists have been able to track how the invaders are transforming the river. Collaborative studies have shed light on how zebra mussels influence fish, native pearly mussels, and the tiny plants and animals at the base of the Hudson’s food web.

Our scientists are also researching how invaders are shaping our forests. Milder winters are expanding the range of insect pests. Ongoing studies in the Catskill Forest are looking at how beech bark disease and the hemlock wooly adelgid are altering the tree species that make up the forest, and its ability to buffer pollution and store carbon.

One of the best ways to manage invasive species is to prevent them from becoming established in the first place. To that end, several of our scientists are committed to educating decision makers about the environmental and economic burden of invaders and promoting management measures that will prevent new introductions.