(Editor’s note: In honor of Adirondack Invasive Species Awareness Week, this week’s “Eye on Invasives” column, by Hilary Smith, has been replaced by the event schedule for this week.)

Through July 14

Invasive species come in all shapes and sizes, from pesky plants to wily feral swine. To help raise awareness about harmful invasives and ways to stop their spread, groups across the region are sponsoring fun and educational activities during the 7th Annual Adirondack Invasive Species Awareness Week. This year’s line-up of public events includes invasive plant paddles; training sessions; presentations; interpretive displays, and more. Events are free, but pre-registration may be requested. Attend one of the many events and learn about what is being done to protect the Adirondacks from invasives and how you can help.

Every day

Watershed Stewardship Program, Region-wide Visit with stewards at boat launches to learn how to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. Stewards are located at White Lake, Hollywood Hills (First Lake), Fourth Lake, Seventh Lake, Stillwater Reservoir, Limekiln Lake, Eighth Lake Camp Ground, Raquette Lake Village, Burke’s Marina (Raquette Lake), Forked Lake, Long Lake, Saratoga Lake, Cranberry Lake, Tupper Lake, Meacham Lake, Upper St. Regis Lake, Lake Flower, Lake Placid, Lake Placid Village, Rainbow Lake, Second Lake, Osgood Lake, Little Clear Pond, Hoel Pond, Sacandaga Lake, Schroon Lake, Lake George and Lake Champlain.

Passport to Stewardship, Region-wide Become a Watershed Steward Deputy. Visit a steward at 5 of 13 participating boat launches, learn about an aquatic invader at each site and receive a stamp in a Boat Steward Passport. When you collect 5 stamps, visit the steward at either Raquette Lake Village or Lake Flower (Saranac Lake Village) to redeem your passport for a t-shirt. Stewards are present all week at Fourth Lake, Lake Placid, Long Lake, Raquette Lake and St. Regis Lake. Stewards have part-time coverage, including weekends, at Cranberry Lake, Lake Flower, Rainbow Lake, Second Pond, Seventh Lake, Tupper Lake, Burke’s Marina (Raquette Lake), and Stillwater Reservoir. Sponsored by the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute Watershed Stewardship Program

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Display, Lake George Visitors Center) Stop by the Lake George Visitor Center each week day to learn all about invasive species, including Lake George’s newest invader, the Asian clam. Sponsored by the Lake George Association

Tuesday, July 10

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Invasive Plant Paddle, Fish Creek and Upper Saranac Lake) Join Guy Middleton, Upper Saranac Lake Foundation Lake Manager, for a paddle from Fish Creek Campground upstream to view unmanaged milfoil beds and then visit divers at Fish Creek Pond to view harvesting and management techniques. Meet at Fish Creek Campground at 9 a.m.  RSVP to Guy Middleton at 518-796-1052 or lakemanager@uslf.org. Sponsored by the Upper Saranac Lake Foundation in cooperation with Macs Canoe Livery, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Aquatic Invasive Management (AIM).

Thursday, July 12

9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Invasive Plant Paddle, Lake George) Meet at Dunhams Bay Marina to paddle and practice identifying aquatic plants. Learn which aquatic invasive species are on the move. Contact Emily DeBolt at the LGA for more information, 518-668-3558. Sponsored by the Lake George Association

1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Training, Invasive Plant Management for Landowners, Harrietstown Town Hall, Saranac Lake) Learn how to control troublesome terrestrial invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed and garlic mustard and see first-hand how to manage them. RSVP to Sarah Walsh at sarah_walsh@tnc.org or 518-576-2082. Sponsored by the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program

Friday, July 13

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Display, Adirondack Waterfest, Penfield Museum, Crown Point) Join APIPP in celebrating local water resources at this great festival with live music, food and fun.

Saturday, July 14

All Day (Display, Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center) Stop by the VIC to learn about invasive species with a Paul Smith’s Watershed Steward.

All Day (Activity, Check a Boat and Win a T-shirt, Raquette Lake Village Boat Launch and Lake Flower Boat Launch) Visit a Watershed Steward and inspect a boat for hidden invaders. Clean the boat of all invaders and recite important facts about aquatic invasive species to win a t-shirt. Sponsored by the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute Watershed Stewardship Program

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Invasive Plant Paddle, Village of Speculator Park) Join Conservation Educator, Caitlin Stewart, to learn about the ecology and management of terrestrial and aquatic invaders. Bring your canoe or kayak, paddles, life vest, water, snacks, sun screen, sun glasses, water shoes, rain gear and pruning shears. Put-in by the bridge at the Village of Speculator Park off Rt. 30 near the pavilion and ball field. Sponsored by the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District

10 a.m. (Presentation, Forest Pest Threats, Lake George Land Conservancy Office, Bolton Landing) Jason Smith, NYS DEC Forest Pest Educator, will provide an overview of current invasive forest pest infestations, steps landowners and citizens can take to prevent their spread, effects of infestations (both long term and short term) and how to identify signs and symptoms of infestations. Sponsored by the Lake George Land Conservancy

8 p.m. (Presentation, Forest Pest Threats, High Peaks Information Center, Lake Placid) Jason Smith, NYS DEC, will speak about forest pests threatening Adirondack forests such as Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer. Sponsored by the Adirondack Mountain Club.