Sustainability Lecture Series Brings Environmental Activist to SUNY Canton

CANTON, NY (03/25/2014)(readMedia)-- Hilary Smith, the director of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP), will discuss the issue of invasive species in Northern New York as part of SUNY Canton's spring Sustainability Lecture Series.

Smith will discuss local invasive species, potential future threats and efforts to stop their spread at 6 p.m. April 2 in Nevaldine North, Room 102. This event is free and open to the public.

Invasive species are one of the biggest environmental challenges of all time, according to Smith. Introduced from other places, invading plants and animals have no natural predators to keep their populations in check. They spread uncontrollably, wreaking havoc in rivers and streams, lakes and ponds, and woods and wetlands.

"Invasive species affect everyone," said Smith. "There are opportunities for action to stop their spread in our backyards, in our favorite swimming spots, across the state and beyond."

APIPP, along with more than 30 cooperating organizations, have the mission to protect the Adirondack region from the negative impacts of invasive species. Smith specializes in invasive species planning, program development, partnership building, community-based action and innovative solutions to invasive species prevention and management. She received her master's in Biodiversity, Conservation and Policy from the State University of New York at Albany and her undergraduate degree in Biology from Hamilton College.

The Sustainability Lecture Series was designed to accelerate awareness of environmental, economic and social concerns through presentations and interactive demonstrations. The series will continue with other environmental experts throughout the spring. For additional information, visit http://www.canton.edu/sustainability/lecture.html.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier College for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The College delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management, and public service to students in the North Country, New York State, and beyond. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to their academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as eight exclusively online bachelor's degrees. The College's 14 athletic teams compete in state-of-the-art facilities as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.

-www.canton.edu-