CANASTOTA — The spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest, is rapidly crawling its way into Central New York, bringing concerns about environmental and economical destruction with it.

There are steps people can take to slow the impending spread, and the Great Swamp Conservancy, 8375 N. Main St., will hold a free informative talk about the pest from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 11.

Conservation Educator Gina Sciarra will discuss the threat the insect poses, how to identify the insect through all life stages, and share her personal experiences dealing with spotted lanternfly infestation in her hometown of Kennett Square, Pa.

This brightly colored invasive insect was first detected in Berks County, Pa., in 2014 and has since been swiftly spreading along the east coast. According to the announcement, Central New York is at a critical point in the spotted lanternfly invasion where early detection is vital to slowing the impending spread.

This generalist species eats over 70 different types of plants including economically important crops, such as apples and grape vines, and has no natural predators here in North America. This program will provide the necessary resources to report spotted lanternfly sightings and examine different methods that can be used to manage spotted lanternfly populations.

Attendees will be given a free spotted lanternfly identification card provided by the state Department of Environmental Conservation to aid in proper identification and early detection efforts.