Invasive species technician. by Corey Gavigan
January 28, 2026
Open gallery
Corey standing in front of a pile of removed invasives
From May 19th to July 25th 2025, I had an incredible opportunity to work as one of four invasive species technicians on Purchase campus as a part of a DEC grant funded forest restoration project. Using methods devised by last year’s technicians and data collected in the field to create maps, the other technicians and I were able to track where in the forest had the greatest densities of invasive species. Throughout the summer we also had the opportunity to make a comprehensive guide in the form of brochures for the different trails in the nature preserve on campus. A majority of my time as an invasive species technician was conducting field work with a focus on the identification and management of invasive species. This involved the use of a myriad of hand tools to remove a variety of invasive species. The species that had the greatest abundance was Multiflora rose. After completing our removal goal this summer we returned in the fall to create and implement a restoration plan with a focus on replanting native plants to strengthen the disturbed areas. I got to learn a lot about plant identification as well as best invasive management practices. Overall, my experience this summer was incredible and I was thrilled to get hands on and do my part to remove invasives and help protect local ecosystems.