Volunteer to remove aquatic invasive species and improve wetland health

Have you heard about all the non-native invasive species in Lake Champlain? These include 50 species of plants, animals and pathogens that were introduced to the Lake Champlain basin.

Some were planted because they had pretty flowers. Others got here through ballast or bilge water from boats. These non-native species (species that were not present at the time of European settlement) can, in some cases, spread and take over (becoming invasive) because they have no natural predators. This can cause a major problem for ecologically rich natural areas, not only for our native plants and animals that get choked out by these intruders, but also for people who like to recreate on the water. Plants like water chestnut, European frogbit and Eurasian watermilfoil can grow so thickly that it they are difficult or impossible to boat, swim, or fish in. Some of the aquatic invasive species you’ve likely heard about (like zebra mussels) can be difficult to control. Others, like European frogbit, are more easily removed in order to limit their spread.

Lewis Creek Association has been working closely with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and the Lake Champlain Basin Program since 2009 to monitor and remove European frogbit, water chestnut, yellow iris and flowering rush in Town Farm Bay in Charlotte and the LaPlatte Natural Area in Shelburne. These two areas are very diverse ecologically, and many people recreate there, making control of non-native invasive species critical.

When frogbit was first discovered in Town Farm Bay in Charlotte, there was over 50 percent cover throughout the wetlands. The LaPlatte Natural Area had lower frogbit levels to begin with, due to earlier detection. Lewis Creek Association (funded by the towns of Charlotte and Shelburne) organized groups of volunteers, such as the Charlotte Land Trust, Lake Champlain boat launch stewards and other interested community groups, to rake frogbit off the surface of the water in these areas. Through this work, the cover has been reduced from 50 percent to 5 percent or less annually and has held there thanks to long-term and annual maintenance efforts of volunteers.

This spring, the Lewis Creek Association will be leading volunteers again to remove frogbit. We will lead groups in June and July to remove frogbit in Charlotte and Shelburne. The specific dates will be set later.

All the equipment is provided, so all you have to do is show up and paddle a canoe or kayak, raking plants off the water surface and putting them into a bucket or laundry basket on your boat.

While paddling, your leaders will help identify as many animals and plants as possible. You’re almost sure to learn something new out there. If you’re interested in joining Lewis Creek Association for an enjoyable paddle, while making a difference in the health of your local wetland, contact Kate Kelly, Lewis Creek Association program manager.

Even better, get a group of friends together and sign up together to make a difference.