Buffalo State Experts: Invasive Species Management

Western New York’s go-to person for questions about invasive species is Andrea Locke, coordinator of the Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM), part of the Great Lakes Center at Buffalo State.

Locke, who assumed the position in January, has already worked with many local environmental groups. "We have worked with partners to assess the presence of invasive plants and insects using iMapInvasives, assisted in invasive species removal projects, and provided educational opportunities," said Locke. Areas benefiting from her expertise include Bond Lake Park, Woodlawn Beach, Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, and many other sites in the eight-county Western New York region.

Locke, who worked for the Nature Conservancy in Indiana before moving to Buffalo, has more than 12 years of experience in ecology, conservation, stewardship, and program development, as well as extensive experience developing innovative methods for managing invasive species.

"I’ve seen the harmful impact of invasive species on our native species as well as how they impact our economy and even human health," said Locke. "I'm excited to be learning more about the ecology of the Great Lakes and the invasive species affecting Western New York’s lands and waters."

The WNY PRISM office is funded by the Environmental Protection Fund through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.