Photo Credit: Margaret Walsh
Help remove an invasive plant from the Mystic River! Volunteers will pair up and head out in tandem kayaks to hand-pull water chestnut, an invasive aquatic plant that spreads over the water surface, crowding out native plants and altering the water chemistry. This will be a monitoring paddle-- we may not find too much!
MyRWA will provide the kayaks, 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— 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: Bathrooms, water, and cell service are available. Our canoe launch is a winding plastic boat ramp.
Activity Details: We will paddle for approximately two and a half hours, covering 1-2 miles total. This section of the Mystic River 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, please reach out to shasha.kingston@mysticriver.org — our events are flexible and we would love to chat about ways we can assist your participation!
