Join the Invasive Species Team
flexible, year-round volunteer program
choose your level of involvement—whether that’s reporting an invasive species you notice in day-to-day life, removing them from places you care about, or opting into our seasonal challenges.
How to get started:
1. Join OCCA’s group on iMapInvasives, New York State’s official invasive species database, and report the invasive species you see or remove locally.
2. Join OCCA’s Invasive Team volunteer group. Once you’re in, you’ll receive periodic emails from OCCA with seasonal ID tips, learning resources, and different group opportunities to get involved.
However you choose to participate, your observations will help protect local habitats and guide local conservation work.
Summer ‘26 Seasonal Challenge
Opt into OCCA’s quarterly challenge to help survey for and remove local invasive species. Each season we release guided goals and resources needed for participation.
The Challenge
Note: reporting your invasive species findings and removal efforts on iMapInvasives is very important. iMapInvasives is New York State’s official invasive species database, is open for public participation, and is used by both regional conservation organizations and governmental entities like the Department of Environmental Conservation. Your participation helps us know the extent of invasive species populations, and helps guide our targeted removal efforts!
Join one OCCA-led invasive species pull between June-September. Check our calendar here.
Survey for and/or remove Swallowwort (Vincetoxicum spp.) and report whether you found any on iMapInvasives.
Don’t have an account? Register here, and don’t forget to mark OCCA as your organization.
