The search for invasive aquatic plants in Great Herring Pond was conducted again this year on September12th with Dr. Sara Grady, Jerry Levine and Don Williams. Sara’s daughter Molly also helped out. They raked up aquatic plants from the pond bottom and Sara identified all the plants, looking especially for invasive plants. This was repeated at 12 locations around the pond that have been examined for the past several years. Fortunately,  no invasive plants were found again this year.

The purpose is to find any invasive species of plants early before they have the opportunity to spread unchecked. Most invasive species spread rapidly, become nuisances to swimming and boating, and are difficult to remove. The greatest danger for introducing invasive species into our ponds comes when boats are launched and they may contain pieces of invasive plants in their bilge water, attached to their motors, or in bait buckets. So it is important to clean boats thoroughly before launching them and not to dump bait buckets or bilge water into ponds. Please share this warning with others who may use our pond.