Spotted Lanternfly inTompkins County, NYSPOTTED LANTERNFLY GUIDE
Tompkins County — with Ithaca as county seat — is ground zero for SLF research in New York State and confirmed active spread in 2021. Cornell University hosts the A.C. Morrison Lab and affiliated research programs that have produced some of the most significant SLF science in the nation. The surrounding Finger Lakes landscape — including the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail — faces mounting SLF pressure on vineyards and orchards as populations spread through the county's deep gorges and riparian corridors. USDA ARS Ithaca, the federal agricultural research station, provides additional scientific infrastructure monitoring SLF spread across this ecologically and agriculturally significant county.
Highest activity zones
SLF Hotspots in Tompkins County, NY
Cornell University campus and Botanic Gardens
Active zone
Cayuga Lake waterfront
Active zone
Cascadilla Gorge trail
Active zone
Stewart Park
Active zone
Taughannock Falls State Park area
Active zone
Primary SLF food source
Tree of Heaven in Tompkins County, NY
Tree of Heaven is established along Cascadilla and Fall Creek gorge corridors through Ithaca, where Ailanthus colonizes the steep gorge walls and trail margins — one of the most distinctive SLF habitat situations in New York. Cornell University campus edges and Cayuga Lake waterfront margins have additional ToH populations that extend SLF habitat through the heart of the county. The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail vineyard road margins are a priority monitoring zone as SLF populations continue to establish across this Finger Lakes wine region landscape.
Identify Tree of Heaven →Local action resources
What To Do in Tompkins County, NY
Report a Sighting
Every sighting in Tompkins County, NY maps the invasion front. Report directly to NY Department of Agriculture & Markets.
Report Now →Squish on Sight
See a spotted lanternfly? Kill it immediately — it is legal and encouraged in all states. Learn the best kill methods.
Full Fight Guide →Map ToH in Your Block
Tree of Heaven removal cuts off SLF food supply. Add ToH sightings to the community map to guide removal efforts.
View Sighting Map →Statewide resources
Full NY State Guide
County-level data, quarantine zones, treatment guides, and agency resources for the entire state.
See the full NY guide →Community intelligence
Live Sighting Map
See where SLF has been spotted near you in Tompkins County, NY. Add your own sighting to help map the front.
Open the Map →Free weekly fight briefing
Fight SLF in Tompkins County, NY.
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