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Syndicate
Jul
08
| Weed Pullers Needed! |
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| Tuesday, 08 July 2008 | |
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Click on "More..." for more info about this project. Water chestnut is a non-native plant that has caused much environmental and economic damage in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York. It can grow vigorously and densely in shallow, nutrient-rich waters, obliterating native pond habitat, clogging waters to most recreational uses, and presenting a significant physical hazard to swimmers and waders due to its barbed seed pods. The plant, which is not related to the water chestnut used in stir-fry, is an annual; therefore, pulling the plants before their seeds drop can effectively remove the population.Water chestnut was found in Belleville Pond in October 2007 by Matt Ricker, a URI graduate student studying under Professor Frank Golet. Another purpose at the July 12 event is to raise awareness of risks and costs from non-native animals and plants when they grow out of control in our local environments. It also highlights the impacts and roles that grassroots community organizations play in the early detection and rapid response to invasive species. “By fighting this invasion early, it is possible to prevent the costly damage seen in states with much larger water chestnut populations” said David Gregg, executive director of the Rhode Island Natural History Survey. Participants in the eradication effort include the Rhode Island Natural History Survey, the town of North Kingstown, Land Conservancy of North Kingstown, Buckeye Brook Coalition, Concerned Citizens of Davisville, and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The hand-pulling will start at 9:00 a.m. on July 12, 2008 at Belleville Pond in North Kingstown. Belleville Pond is accessed through Ryan Park located on Oak Hill Road between Rt. 4 and Rt. 1 in North Kingstown. Ryan Park, owned by the town, is a popular area for hiking, fishing, and waterfowl hunting. Those who wish to volunteer at this event are asked to pre-register with Rhode Island Natural History Survey by calling 401-874-5800 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it The Rhode Island Natural History Survey is a non-profit organization founded in 1994 to facilitate communication among the diverse people, agencies, and organizations interested in the ecology of Rhode Island, and to gather and disseminate information on Rhode Island's animals and plants, geology, and ecosystems. RINHS manages the most authoritative database of Rhode Island's biodiversity and hosts public events to highlight biodiversity and the work of researchers and naturalists. It undertakes ecological research and inventory projects with partners including The Nature Conservancy and local land trusts. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in Rhode Island’s plants, animals, geology, or ecosystems. For more information about RINHS, visit www.rinhs.org. ### |
Looking to do some good for your enviroment this summer? The Rhode Island Natural History Survey needs volunteers to help in an attempt to eradicate an invasive plant recently discovered in Belleville Pond, North Kingstown, on this Saturday, July 12. Volunteers will gather at the pond at 9 a.m. with canoes and kayaks to hand-pull the invasive plant water chestnut (Trapa natans) from the pond. Additional volunteers are welcome, but are asked to pre-register by calling 401-874-5800 or emailing
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