The state Departments of Environmental Conservation and Agriculture and Markets April 2, announced the seventh annual Invasive Species Awareness Week will take place June 7 through 13. The event is an annual educational campaign focused on invasive species. During the ongoing coronavirus emergency, organizations are encouraged to plan virtual events that incorporate social distancing guidelines and provide the opportunity for residents to participate from the safety of their own homes. “DEC encourages academic institutions, environmental organizations, municipal groups, and others to work with their local Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management to develop new programs, including virtual programs accessible on-line...,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. According to a DEC press release, the goal of the event "is to engage citizens in activities that promote an understanding of invasive species and their negative impacts and empower people to take action to help stop the spread of these invasive pests." A link to the event website and the full press release can be found at DEC [dot] NY [dot] gov.