Press

ALBANY – The New York State Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) and the New York State Museum will present weekly lectures in October focusing on recent biodiversity research, conservation and education initiatives in New York State.

All lectures are free and will be held on Wednesdays at noon in the Huxley Theater. The lecturers will focus on the results of research that was funded by the New York State Biodiversity Research Institute. Lecture topics and dates are:

• October 8 – “Double-crested Cormorants: Potential Impacts on Biodiversity in the New York Harbor.” Twenty years ago, approximately 1,000 breeding pairs of Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) were documented on two islands in the New York Harbor; now there are approximately 1,300 pairs nesting on seven islands. Dr. Susan Elbin, director of conservation for New York Audubon, will present research on this population, assessing its impact on biodiversity in the harbor.
• October 15 – “Treatment of Invasive Plant Infestations: Assessments of Three Species in the Adirondack Park.” The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant program manages invasive plant species just taking a hold in the Park, to benefit natural communities. Ray Curran, independent consulting ecologist with the Adirondack Nature Conservancy, will discuss current research on the effectiveness of several techniques to control Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), common reed grass (Phragmites australis), and yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus).
• October 22 – “Conserving Barrens Buck Moth in Pine Barrens Habitats.” Dr. Dylan Parry, associate professor at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, will discuss how prescribed burning in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve has enhanced habitat for the barrens buck moth (Hemileuca maia). He will examine the role of natural enemies in population declines, citing an introduced insect parasitoid that has decimated species closely related to the barrens buck moth.

• October 29 – “Confronting Biological Invasions: A Growing Environmental Problem.” Introduced invasive species have transformed most ecosystems and more problematic species are on the way. Dr. David Strayer, of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, will review the history and impact of a few prominent invaders, the extent and causes of these introductions, and proposed elements of a solution to this escalating problem.

The New York State Legislature created the Biodiversity Research Institute in 1993 to help meet the challenges associated with preserving the state’s biodiversity. The BRI serves as a comprehensive source of information, which is used to advise both public and private agencies on matters relating to the status of New York’s biological resources. Housed within the New York State Museum, the BRI is funded through the Environmental Protection Fund. The BRI includes several collaborators, including the State Museum, the New York Natural Heritage Program, Audubon New York, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, New York, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and The Nature Conservancy. Further information is available at: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/bri/ or by calling (518) 474-6531.

The New York State Museum is a cultural program of the New York State Education Department. Founded in 1836, the Museum has the longest continuously operating state natural history research and collection survey in the U.S. Located on Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free. Further information can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.

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