Biodiversity in Focus: A Status Report on North American Species and Ecosystems at Risk presented by Regan Smyth

Biodiversity loss is recognized by the World Economic Forum as one the greatest global risks, threatening not just the persistence of at-risk species and health of ecological communities but also the people who depend upon them. In this presentation, Regan Smyth will report the latest findings from NatureServe’s 2023 report on the status of biodiversity in the United States, including the role of invasive species as a primary driver of biodiversity loss.

Regan Smyth is the Vice President for Data and Methods at NatureServe, where she oversees the development, management, and provision of core data resources on North American species and ecosystems. She ensures that the biodiversity information collected by NatureServe’s Network of Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centers meets consistent standards, resulting in the highest quality data available on the location and conservation status of biodiversity throughout the Americas. This dataset allows us to understand species extinction risk and direct conservation action. Regan has a master’s degree in ecosystem conservation and management from Duke University and a bachelor’s degree in biology and environmental science, also from Duke University.

Case Study #1 – The Selective Management of Invasive Aquatic Plants presented by Dr. Mark Heilman

Exotic aquatic plants can overwhelm invaded habitat and drastically alter biodiversity and function of aquatic ecosystems.   These invasions severely disrupt ecology, and for threatened species under pressure from other environmental disturbance, non-native aquatic plants can pose a dire risk.  Selective management strategies for invasive aquatic plants have demonstrated the ability to protect or restore habitat, including critical sites for threatened and endangered species of fish, mussels, and other taxa.   Several interesting, aquatic plant management projects from across the US will be highlighted for their success in maintaining and/or enhancing biodiversity and habitat quality.

Dr. Mark Heilman serves on the Board of Directors of NAISMA and Chairs the Legislative Committee. As Director of Aquatic Technology for SePRO (Carmel, Indiana), Dr. Heilman leads the company’s research and development efforts to bring forward new technologies for managing water resources. He also directly assists many public and private natural resource managers in the US and internationally with design and implementation of challenging projects managing aquatic invasive species with an emphasis on aquatic plants. Dr. Heilman received his B.S. in Biology (1992) and his Ph.D. in Aquatic Ecology from the University of Notre Dame (1998). He is a Past President of the Aquatic Plant Management Society.

Case Study #2 – Long Island rare species and invasives management presented by Abby Marino

Long Island, NY has more than its fair share of invasive species, but at the same time this region is one of the most biodiverse in New York State. In this presentation, Abby B. Marino will share how the Long Island Invasive Species Management Area PRISM approaches rare species conservation alongside invasive species management. 

Abby B. Marino works as the Conservation Area Manager for the Long Island Invasive Species Management Area. She received her B.S. in environmental science from Cornell University, where she worked in the Blossey lab studying invasive plant-soil interactions. Her work as the communications coordinator for the NY Invasive Species Research Institute gave her experience in communicating invasive species research for managers and the public. In addition to her work at LIISMA, she is pursuing a masters degree in Energy & Environmental Management at the University of Connecticut.