Invasive aquatic plants can cause tremendous loss of wildlife habitat, as well as recreational and property damage. Identifying invasive plants before they spread is a critical component to protecting water quality. This is the goal of the Invasive Plant Patrol program at Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust.

Coastal Rivers is looking for volunteers to help with this effort in local lakes and ponds. Anyone who lives on a lake or pond or who is interested in water quality in local lakes and ponds is invited to attend a training for new Invasive Plant Patrol volunteers from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 20 at the Pemaquid Pond Boat Ramp in Nobleboro.

Coastal Rivers’ Director of Education and Citizen Science Sarah Gladu will demonstrate how to conduct a survey, which can be done by boat or wading along the shore, and how to complete a data sheet. Gladu will also let participants know how to identify some of the most common native and invasive aquatic plants.

Volunteers who live on a pond or lake may choose to survey sites adjacent to their own properties. Other volunteers will be assigned to work in groups focused on areas near public landings and road crossings. This will ensure that volunteer efforts are focused on areas where the risk for invasive plant infestations is greatest.

Volunteers should register in advance for the training at coastalrivers.org/events.

After the training, volunteers will organize into small teams and work through early October to monitor their assigned areas throughout the Pemaquid river and its chain of ponds.

Coastal Rivers is a non-profit, member-supported, nationally accredited land trust caring for the lands and waters of the Damariscotta-Pemaquid Region by conserving special places, protecting water quality, creating trails and public access, and deepening connections to nature through education programs. For more information, email info@coastalrivers.org or visit coastalrivers.org.