Join Southeast Vermont Aquatic Invasive Species Project For On-The-Water Session To View Invasive Flowering Rush

On Monday, July 26, 5-6:30 PM, please join Laurie Callahan, aquatic biologist/Southeast Vermont Aquatic Invasive Species Project, and Kelly Stettner, Black River Action Team, for an on-the-water session at the mouth of the Black River where it meets the Connecticut River. We will check-out a population of invasive flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus), learn how to recognize it and discuss some basics about its biology and "invasiveness". The Eurasian species has been present in the Lake Champlain basin, and other regions, for many years. It has become apparent that in recent years the species has been "on-the-move" along the Connecticut River corridor in southeast Vermont and southwest New Hampshire. The attached photo is of a small patch of flowering rush, with distinctive flowers, in the lower portion of the Black River in 2019.

• We will meet at 5PM and launch at Hoyt's Landing (Springfield, VT). The session will last until about 6:30PM.
• You will need to provide your own canoe/kayak/paddlecraft and associated gear for the session.
• Total paddling distance will be approximately 1/2 - 1 mile.
• Anyone that wants to participate needs to let me know about that. If weather will not be good for our session or if something unexpected occurs to disrupt my plans, I will want to be able to contact folks if there is a need to cancel.
• Please share this invitation with other members of your organization that have an interest in this topic/concern.
• Looking forward to visiting the site with you on Monday evening!

Let me know if you can attend.
Laurie Callahan (mobile: 802-258-1877)
SE VT Aquatic Invasive Species Project

Additional details:
During our visit we will also keep a look-out-for invasive water chestnut (Trapa natans) and other invasive aquatic species. In 2012 water chestnut was found in Hinsdale and in 2020 it was found in Rockingham. Both sites are on the CT River and are being controlled/managed mostly via manual harvesting by volunteers. Water chestnut has also been found (approx. 2004) at North Springfield Lake, north of the village of Springfield, VT (along the Black River) where it is being managed by Army Corps of Engineers staff. Some other invasive plant species known to be present in the vicinity of Hoyt's Landing are Eurasian milfoil, curly leaf pondweed, Japanese knotweed and purple loosestrife. Those species will also be pointed-out during our visit.

It is preferred that attendees be fully vaccinated for coronavirus. Even if fully vaccinated, during the event on Monday we should do our best to practice physical distancing (6 feet). If you are not fully vaccinated, consider wearing a mask in addition to physically distancing from others.

Photo by Laurie Callahan of invasive Flowering Rush at Hoyt's Landing in Springfield, Vermont.