Paddlers Needed Sunday For Water Chestnut Pull

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.