On Sunday, July 8,
from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, canoe and kayak paddlers will return to the Floating
Meadows to remove emerging water chestnut plants. This invasive species
endangers our local freshwater marshland. Canoes are especially helpful for
carrying the plants back to shore. The outing will start and finish at the Phil
Salafia Canoe and Kayak launch, located at 181 Johnson Street in Middletown
(adjacent to the Recycling Center).
Removing the invasive
water chestnut is a very satisfying and fun activity. In addition to saving the
waterway, viewing wildlife, and enjoying the freshwater marshland, it’s a great
way to enjoy the comraderie of other paddlers. This may be our last
scheduled “water chestnut pull” for the season, so please make an effort to
join us. Paddlers are also encouraged to organize their own work parties and to
remove plants while out on recreational paddles.
The Jonah Center is
grateful to our partner, the Connecticut River Conservancy, for staffing this
event, providing gloves and bags, and covering it with their insurance policy.
All participants will need to sign CRC’s liability waivers and paddle at their
own risk. Life jackets are required.
We also thank
Middletown’s Public Works Department and Director Russo for upgrading the boat
launch this year, adding a port-a-potty and a significant quantity of fine
crushed stone to the driveway and the path down to the water. This makes the
area safer and more comfortable for walking in sandals and water shoes. Public
Works crews also dispose of the many bags of plants that we deposit in the
parking area.
For more information,
call John Hall at 860-398-3771.
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