Water chestnut plant. Credit: ShaSha Kingston
Help remove an invasive plant from the Mystic River!
Overview: Volunteers will pair up and head out in canoes to hand-pull water chestnut, an invasive aquatic plant that spreads over the water surface, crowding out native plants and altering the water chemistry.
MyRWA will provide the canoes, paddles, life jackets, and gloves. Be sure to wear sunscreen and clothes/footwear that you don't mind getting dirty and wet! We recommend quick-dry fabrics and water sandals.
Event capacity is limited based on the number of canoes we have on site — pre-registration is required and please only register if you will make it that day!
**Note: you must be 6 years or older to participate. Youth aged 6-11 may participate under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian. Youth aged 12-17 may participate without a parent or guardian present at the event but waivers must be signed by a parent or guardian beforehand.
Location Details: A port-a-potty, water, and cell service are available. We will meet on the gravel path by the boat launch. See below for photos of the event location.
Activity Details: We will paddle for approximately an hour and a half, covering 0.5-1 mile total. The Arlington Reservoir is great for beginners with calm, shallow water. You do not need to know how to swim to participate. Volunteers will be asked to move canoes, paddle, and pull water chestnut plants up by hand. If you have any accessibility concerns about these activities or if you prefer to help out on land instead of on the water, please reach out to daria.clark@mysticriver.org — our events are flexible and we would love to chat about ways we can assist your participation!
Parking/Bus Info: Please park at the Hurd Field Parking Lot (15 Drake Rd, Arlington). There is a short walk on a gravel path from this parking lot to the meeting location. The 77 Bus Line runs close to the project area. See MBTA.com for schedules.
Photos of Event Location:
Meeting Location & Canoe Launch:
Our meeting location is on the gravel path by the public boat launch. Canoes will launch from this spot one by one. The surface of the boat launch is concrete blocks with gravel in between.
Working Area:
The Arlington Reservoir is a calm body of water. There are sections with reeds and trees on the edges.
