The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking volunteers to help remove water chestnut plants, an invasive species that is harmful to both aquatic life and water recreation.
Volunteers are sought to manually remove plants from the shallowest water of the Sassafras River on June 22 and 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. near Betterton, Kent County. Volunteers will use canoes to reach the water chestnut plants in coves along the river.
Water chestnut plants are an invasive aquatic plant that has been found in certain Maryland Rivers, including the Sassafras River. Water chestnut seeds have four, sharp half-inch spines. These seeds are major hazards to water contact recreation. Additionally, water chestnut plants threatens native bay grass habitat, prevents nearly all water use where it occurs, creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and provides only marginal habitat for native fish and birds.
A brief training session will be provided, as well as lunch. Volunteers should wear comfortable clothes and shoes with firm soles that can get wet (do not wear sandals). Bring sunblock, a hat, and water. We need canoes, kayaks, and other small boats; if you bring one, be sure to bring a personal floatation device for each person.
Please contact 410-260-8630 with your name, address, phone, e-mail address, number in your party, and which date you are available. Please let us know if you can bring a boat, and what type. Volunteers must be 12 or older.
Direction to the harvesting site: From Annapolis: Take Route 301 East to 213 North. Follow Route 213 North to 298 West (Lambs Meadow Road). Follow Lambs Meadow Road for 2 miles and take a right onto Bloomfield Road. Follow Bloomfield Road about 1 mile; look for a sign at the driveway entrance on your left. Please try to arrive by 9:00 am, although we will accept help at any time.
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER: We will proceed rain or shine, but will need to reschedule if high winds or storms are forecast. Information on weather-related cancellations will be available by calling the DNR at 410-260-8630.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the DNR Web site at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/sav/water_chestnut.html
Posted: 6-21-2001
