During this event, you can get hands-on experience identifying and recognizing what plants grow in and around your Indian River Lakes!
Aquatic Invasive Plants like Eurasian Watermilfoil, Water Chestnut, and Hydrilla can spread quickly and have a significant effect on the water quality of your Lake, the natural ecology and native fish in your Lake, and your ability to enjoy boating, swimming, and recreating there.
Not all the 'weeds' you see when boating are invasive though. Duckweed, Pondweed, and others play an important role in our lake habitats.
The IRLC and SLELO PRISM invite you to join us for this special in-person event on Saturday, June 12th, at the Butterfield Lake Boat Launch in Redwood, NY. Sessions will start at 9am and 10am, and end by 12 pm.
Each session will consist of:
1 Hour Handling and Learning to ID Native and Invasive Plants with an Expert (at the launch site, small groups of 6)
1 Hour Guided floating classroom on Butterfield Lake. Plants will be pulled out of the water by a guide with a water rake. Underwater viewing scopes will also be available.
Please Bring:
Kayak or Canoe (rentals available)
Life Vest
If you would like to participate, but do not have a kayak, you can rent one for $25 from the Wandering Kayak 315-628-5751.
Logistics:
LOCATION Millsite Boat Launch is located on Cottage Hill Road, 1 mile east of the Village of Redwood, NY.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED If there are more than one person in your party, please register them individually. Each session is capped at 12 persons and broken up into two groups of 6. This event is in observation of New York's annual Invasive Species Awareness Week (#NYISAW)- learn more at
www.nyisaw.org. It is hosted by the Indian River Lakes Conservancy and the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM).
PLANT ID EXPERIENCE Multiple stations on land with local native and invasive plants to view up close. Experts will lead discussions about the species.
FLOATING CLASSROOM Following the hands-on plant ID experience, a guided paddle will occur near the boat launch, this will include discussions about survey methods and give attendees opportunity to use underwater viewing scopes. Bring your own kayak or canoe, and LIFE VEST if you have them! Some watercrafts/life vests may be available for borrow.
WEATHER PERMITTING In case of inclement weather, you will be notified via email that the event will move to the IRLC Redwood Preserve Trailside Learning Center, 44010 Stine Road, Redwood, NY 13679 with only the plant ID session and no floating classroom.
COVID-19 COMPLIANT EVENT To ensure everyone’s safety, there is a max capacity of 12 people per land/water session. All tables and tools will be sanitized between uses and sanitizer will be provided for attendee use.
