Invasive species are a pressing concern for biodiversity around the world. The emerald ash borer is an invasive species that causes ecological, economic and social impacts falling heavily on local governments and homeowners. My thesis utilized mixed methods to examine how engaging stakeholders in different levels of government (municipal, county and state), private sector firms, and researchers in local task forces enabled shared learning and facilitated invasive species management. Using adaptive co-management theory, I constructed case studies of learning, linking and connections to management based on surveys and interviews with members of three emerald ash borer task forces in New York. In light of literature on bridging organizations, I examined how the extension system in New York worked to bridge stakeholders to respond to EAB. Key findings included the role of knowledge networks in enabling local task forces to use ACM, network formation, and types of learning needed for invasive species management. Leadership emerged as a key theme. Further study is needed to clarify the potential of extension systems to provide bridging leadership across multiple resource issues.