Submitted Photo Audubon Community Nature Center is recognizing Invasive Species Awareness Week (June 6 – 12) with the presentation of a new documentary and discussion of this serious concern at First Friday on June 3.

View the documentary “Uninvited: The Spread of Invasive Species” and listen to a local panel of experts discuss it at Audubon Community Nature Center’s First Friday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In recognition of Invasive Species Awareness Week (June 6-12) Audubon is partnering with local organizations to explore this critical topic. Other participants include the Chautauqua Lake Association, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, Chautauqua Conewango Consortium, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and Western New York PRISM.

Invasive species have significant impacts on our forests, waterways, and many ecosystems in between as well as their inhabitants. Learn more about why invasive species are a problem, what people can do to help, and what is taking place locally to address these invasive species issues.

The one-hour documentary will be followed by a panel discussion with local invasive species educators and managers.

The film was released by the state Department of Environmental Conservation last November to emphasize the significant threat invasive species pose to New York’s biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as public health and the state’s economy.

“Invasive species pose a threat to New York’s environment, economy, and our quality of life,” said Basil Seggos, state DEC commissioner. “Uninvited highlights the danger of invasive species and what we stand to lose without continued efforts to combat these destructive pests.”

For more information on the film and what individuals can do to participate in New York Invasive Species Awareness Week, visit dec.ny.gov/animals/114620.html.

Masks are strongly recommended while inside the Nature Center building.

The fee is $6 for Nature Center members and children ages 9 to 15, $8 for non-members.

Reservations are requested by Friday, June 3, and can be made by calling 716-569-2345 or going to AudubonCNC.org and clicking through “Upcoming Programs.” Walk-ins are welcome if there is room.

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. Visit the 600-acre nature preserve and see Liberty, the non-releasable Bald Eagle, from dawn until dusk daily. Depending on the weather and the season, you can enjoy the native tree arboretum, gardens, picnic area, natural play space and use the six miles of trails for hiking, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing, all for free.

The three-story Nature Center building houses interactive displays, a collection of live animals including the Hellbender exhibit, the 2021 Nature Photography Contest winners, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop. Visitors are welcome Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sundays, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Nature Center members and SNAP/EBT cardholders have free building admission daily. Building admission is also free every Sunday for non-Nature Center members.

To learn more about Audubon and its programs, call 716-569-2345, find Audubon Community Nature Center on Facebook, or visit AudubonCNC.org.