Home / Environment / Volunteer Paddlers Battle Invasive Water Chestnuts
Volunteer Paddlers Battle Invasive Water Chestnuts
17 May
Summary
- Volunteers use kayaks to remove invasive water chestnuts.
- Events target waterways across the region for ecosystem health.
- Water chestnut hinders recreation and damages native habitats.
The St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management is organizing its 2026 water chestnut pull season. This initiative enlists community members, paddlers, and volunteers to remove the aggressive aquatic invasive plant, Trapa natans, from priority waterways.
Water chestnut forms dense mats that impede boating and fishing, while also disrupting native habitats. Manual removal by collecting rosettes and nutlets is highly effective. Volunteer events are scheduled across several water bodies, including the Oswegatchie River in Heuvelton and Lakeview Wildlife Management Area in Ellisburg, throughout July and August.
No prior experience is needed, as trained staff will guide all activities. Volunteers can register for specific events by visiting the SLELO PRISM events webpage or by contacting their outreach coordinator. The SLELO PRISM region covers a significant area within New York State.
