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Annual Aquatic Plant/Weed Watchers Survey
August 27, 2018 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Our trained “Weed-Watcher” volunteers will be on the water conducting the annual Aquatic Plant Survey. With the goal to seek out, identify, and record both native and non-native submerged aquatic plants, 6 volunteers on two teams survey more than 50 points on the lake.
Team 1 will survey the northern half of Manchaug Pond and Team 2 surveys the southern half later in late August. Using a GPS, approximately 50 set locations are sampled. The teams record water depth, and using the rake-toss method, note the absence of weeds or when plants are present, their species is identified and abundance noted.
“Early detection, coupled with a rapid assessment and a quick and effective response is viewed as one of the best and cost-efficient ways of dealing with problems,” the National Invasive Species Council reports.
The Manchaug Pond Foundation’s teams have been trained by Mass DCR’s Lakes and Ponds Program in invasive weed identification and by Lycott Environmental as to use of the GPS and mapping, the rake-toss method, and proper recording to work to prevent infestations of exotic invasive aquatic plants. Identification and monitoring of existing populations heads-off new invasive populations before they can take hold.
Watch for us on the water, and consider volunteering! Each team spends about 2 hours on the water surveying, with individual team members following up on new plant identification, snorkeling areas of identification for a further look at weed beds, computer work recording data, and more.
If you want to observe a team in action, contact us as you’re welcome to come along!
If you see something you believe maybe a problem, visit our Conservation section, Water Quality: NO Invasives! page. Be a field Weed Watcher for Manchaug Pond!
Date subject to change depending on weather conditions and volunteer scheduling.
