The national fight against the spotted lanternfly has new recruits: scent-detecting dogs. 🐶 Thanks to a project by Virginia Tech, pups in Cleveland Metroparks are sniffing out egg masses—each holding up to 50 bugs—before they hatch and go on to damage/destroy trees, grapevines, and fruit crops. 🍇🌳 Wayne and Monroe counties haven't been hit by these crop killers yet, but the spotted lantern fly could become a major threat to local farmers. If you see these invasive pests, the DEC encourages you to kill them and report the sighting. Read more from cleveland.com here: https://www.cleveland.com/news/2025/04/look-who-cleveland-metroparks-is-using-to-find-spotted-lanternfly-eggs.html?gift=b604a62b-9ae1-4adc-80a0-13d45615a875 📷Photo by Rhododendrites shows spotted lanternfly, insect with black spots on grey folded wings, sitting on a green leaf. #SpottedLanternfly #ClevelandMetroparks #ConservationDogs #CitizenScience #InvasiveSpecies 🐾 (fb)

Seen any cool birds lately? 🔍 May is peak migration time, and we're seeing lots of birds at Cornwall Preserve in Williamson and Salmon Creek Nature Preserve in Hilton. Birding is enjoyed by 96 Million people in the United States, and your local nature preserve is a great place to go. If you haven't yet, consider downloading the free Merlin bird ID app from Cornell to identify their songs. Early morning is the best time for birding as they're busy getting breakfast. Learn about birds in your area from NYDEC here: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/birds 📷Photo taken by staff shows several people holding cameras and binoculars while birding at #SalmonCreek Nature Preserve in Hilton, NY. #Birdingforbeginners #Birding #GeneseeLandTrust #ConservationMatters (fb)