Dangerous Invasive Species & What YOU Can Do!
Join us in partnership with the Greenwich Sustainability Committee & Parks & Recreation to learn of the threats of Spotted Lanternfly and Tree of Heaven.
Saturday, September 30, 2023
10:00am - 12:00pm Eastern Greenwich, CT, Connecticut

Location Details
Greenwich Audubon Center
613 Riversville Rd, Greenwich, CT, 06831, CT

Greenwich Audubon in partnership with the Greenwich Sustainability Committee and the Department of Parks & Recreation is hosting a series of Walk & Talks about Invasive Species, their effect on the environment and what you can do to stop their spread. The first program in the series will be on the Spotted Lanternfly and the Tree of Heaven, a devilish duo that together are wreaking havoc on our native woodlands and our fruit trees.
Learn more about the spotted lanternfly with Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies scientist Dr. Claire Rutledge. Dr. Rutledge will cover the history, biology, potential impact, and management of this invasive insect
The Talk will be followed by an outdoor tour on the Greenwich Audubon Property led by Ryan Maclean, Senior Coordinator of Education, at Greenwich Audubon. Please wear hiking boots and weather-appropriate clothing.
The Spotted Lanternfly has infiltrated the Greenwich tree canopy. Fruit trees, like peach and apple, and grape vines are susceptible to Lanternflies and die quickly once infested. Our native hardwood trees are also stressed by these insects and their sap. The Ailanthus Tree, aka Tree of Heaven, is a host plant for the Spotted lanternfly and proliferates in our yards and roadsides.
Both species are dangerous to our native habitats and should be removed. Learn about these two invaders and how to identify them and how to keep them out of your yards and the larger environment.
The program is FREE but participants must register in advance through our online ticket sales page. There will be no ticket sales at the door the day of the program. Please be prepared to show proof of your ticket registration, either as a printed copy of your registration receipt or your registration confirmation email on your phone.
- Program Fee: Admission is FREE but registration required.
- Recommended for ages 12 and up.
- Pre-registration is required. Select HERE to Register.
- Please register for the quantity of ALL members in your party. The rate for children and adults is the same.
- Upon arrival please check in at the front desk and proceed to Kiernan Hall where the indoor portion will take place.
​Please note, by signing up for this event you are consenting to receive emails from Audubon about this program and our conservation work. You may opt-out of our emails at any time.
1. Spotted Lanternfly. Photo: Shutterstock / Jay Ondreicka
2. Ailanthus (Tree of Heaven). Photo: Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia.
Greenwich Audubon Center is a vibrant nature education center located at the main 285-acre Audubon sanctuary in Greenwich. We are a part of the Audubon Connecticut state office of the National Audubon Society and Atlantic Flyway, and steward a total of seven sanctuaries in the Greenwich area. Our mission is to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Visitors are welcome to enjoy our miles of trails, nature programs, education resources, conservation-themed events, and nature store throughout the year.
We support a diverse and inclusive environment, and welcome individuals of all races, physical and mental abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, ethnicities, and perspectives. We work with families to modify programs for accessibility where possible.