With the warm weather, it’s the perfect time to hit the water! You gear up, grab your kayak, and set off on a peaceful aquatic excursion. Your paddle is gliding smoothly through the water, and you hear birds in the distance. However, just beneath this tranquil lakeside scene lies a fast-growing threat: aquatic invasive species. They’re silent hitchhikers, clinging to boats, through streams, and disrupting the delicate balance of our freshwater ecosystems.
Luckily, communities across the SLELO region are stepping up, one paddle at a time. Through the Pledge to Protect and the Water Protectors Toolkit, you can be part of the solution. Whether you’re a paddler, angler, or someone who simply needs to beat the heat, your actions matter.
Upcoming Events
This July, lend a hand at the Oswegatchie River Water Chestnut Pull on Friday, July 11. Volunteers will gather in the Village of Heuvelton by 9:45 a.m., ready to launch their boats for a 10:00 a.m. start. Following a quick demo on how to manually remove water chestnut, participants will paddle a scenic 3.5-mile route toward Eel Weir State Park, helping remove this aggressive invasive along the way. The event runs until approximately 3:00 p.m., depending on plant density and paddle speed. Participants should bring their own watercraft and life jackets; however, a limited number of kayaks, canoes, and safety gear are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is required by July 9 to allow time for liability waiver processing. You can sign up here, and see other opportunities for hands-on action on the full chestnut pull calendar.
Then, on Wednesday, July 16, join a guided paddle as part of the Aquatic Invasive Species Learning Experience (AISLE), a unique program that trains outdoor enthusiasts to adopt and monitor local waterbodies for aquatic invasive species. Participants commit to visiting their adopted waterbody at least once over the summer and reporting observations to NYiMapInvasives.org. The program includes a virtual plant identification session, a hands-on workshop, and the guided paddle itself—along with training in digital community science tools like NYiMapInvasives, iNaturalist, and Seek. While two of this year’s training dates have already passed, this is a great chance to join the final event of the season and still get the full experience. Visit the event page to sign up and stay tuned for the 2026 schedule.
If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can also take part in terrestrial invasive species removal efforts happening throughout July and August. These volunteer events focus on removing harmful plants that threaten native ecosystems and landscapes across the region. It’s a rewarding way to make a direct impact while working alongside like-minded community members. To view dates and sign up, visit the terrestrial removals event page.
Clean. Drain. Dry.
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) cause significant problems by clogging waterways, hindering recreation, reducing property values, and harming ecosystems. They can spread via watercraft, trailers, and fishing gear. To prevent this spread, follow these steps:
Clean. Thoroughly clean your boat, trailer, life jackets, fishing tackle, and other equipment immediately after use, removing any visible plant debris.
Drain. Empty live wells, bait buckets, bilge water, and lower your boat motor before leaving the boat launch area.
Dry. Ensure your vessel and equipment are completely dry for at least 5 days before using them in another water body to prevent the survival and spread of AIS.
Water Protectors Toolkit
Our Water Protectors Toolkit is filled with helpful, hands-on tools that empower individuals and communities to care for the lands and waters they love. Here are a few standout resources that support observation, stewardship, and informed decision-making:
NYSDEC Water Chestnut Information Page
If you’re interested in organizing or participating in a hand-pull, the NYSDEC Water Chestnut page is a great place to get started. It provides background on the species, maps of infestations, and guidance for managing and removing water chestnut in a safe, effective way. The “Management” section outlines techniques that can be used by communities, lake associations, or concerned paddlers.
Watercraft Steward and Boat Wash Station Locator
Planning to launch your boat or kayak? Use the Watercraft Steward and Boat Wash Locator Map to find the nearest inspection or wash station. These services help remove aquatic hitchhikers from your vessel and gear—making it easier to do your part in preventing the spread of invasive species between waterbodies.
The “Protect Your Waters” flyer is a quick visual reference that outlines how to Clean, Drain, Dry your equipment, an easy-to-follow checklist for every water outing.
For additional tips, visit the DEC’s aquatic invasive species prevention page, which includes videos, photos, and steps you can take to enjoy the water responsibly. To see the full collection of tools and educational materials, including brochures, training videos, and outreach assets, explore the complete Water Protectors Toolkit and find the resources that support your stewardship journey.
Virtual Toolboxes
Visit the Protector’s Virtual Toolboxes below to access resources themed for each category, and to learn more about how to protect your favorite outdoor spaces from invasive species.
Lands & Trails
Lands & Trails
Forests
Waters
Gardens
Communities
Take the Pledge to Protect
The Pledge-to-Protect is a fun, positive, inviting, engaging and rewarding way to participate in invasive species prevention and management.
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Did you enjoy this blog post? Take our Pledge to Protect and get monthly emails showcasing actions you can take to protect your favorite hiking trails, paddleways, forests, garden, and community from the impacts of invasive species!
