This article was featured in the 2026 Spring Newsletter by Adrien Owens, SLELO PRISM.
Preparing for the 2026 Field Season
SLELO’s Aquatic Restoration and Resiliency program is gearing up for the 2026 field season with continued focus on early detection, invasive species management, education, and exciting new advances in native plant restoration. Together, these approaches address the multifaceted approach of aquatic invasive species management.
AISLE & Water Protectors Program
Education remains a key prevention tool. The Aquatic Invasive Species Learning Experience (AISLE) and Water Protectors Program will return for its third year this season, engaging community members and water users in hands-on learning. These programs build identification skills, increase awareness of invasive species pathways, and promote stewardship practices that support early detection beyond staff-led surveys. Water Chestnut Pulls Seasonal water chestnut pulls will continue at active infestation sites including the Oswegatchie River, Lakeview WMA, and Guffin Bay. Water chestnut forms dense surface mats that crowd out native plants, reduce oxygen levels, and interfere with recreation. Ongoing hand-pull efforts help reduce seed production, slow spread, and support long-term management goals. If you are interested in participating in a water chestnut pull near you, please refer to our events webpage for the latest information on how you can get involved.
Early Detection & Rapid Response Surveys (EDRR)
EDRR surveys will take place at several priority locations this season, including Lakeview WMA (Lakeview Pond), Upper and Lower Lakes WMA, Whetstone Reservoir WMA, Wilson Hill, and the Three Rivers Intersection. These sites were selected due to their ecological value, vulnerability to invasive species introduction, as well as habitat connectivity value within the Adirondack to Algonquin Corridor (A2A) and Tug Hill to the Adirondacks. Continued surveillance of waterbodies across our region allows for quicker management action and helps prevent the spread of new infestations, while recognizing the importance of our native freshwater plants.
Aquatic Plant Restoration Pilot Project
SLELO is launching an Aquatic Plant Restoration Pilot Project in partnership with SUNY Oswego, focusing on Vallisneria americana (eel grass). Over the years SLELO has been building our restoration program to close the loop in invasive species management to replenish self-sustaining habitats. Now we are working on incorporating an aquatic restoration perspective to account for native plant diversity following water chestnut removal. Once invasive species are removed, filling the space with native vegetation helps reach our priorities of safeguarding native ecosystems from the impacts of invasive species. This project will include identifying Vallinseria plant beds for sustainable collection, in addition to propagation, overwintering, and preparation for future aquatic restoration efforts, supporting native habitat recovery alongside invasive species management. While in the early stages, we are excited to explore this up-and-coming missing link to replenishing native aquatic.
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