Community Invasives Removal

On Saturday, July 30th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Groundwork Somerville will host a community event to remove invasive water chestnuts from the Mystic River. Using canoes, kayaks, and small boats, volunteers will pull water chestnuts out of the water by hand and then deposit the harvested plants at a designated shore site. Volunteers who have canoes or kayaks are encouraged to bring their own. If you need a boat, Groundwork Somerville may be able to provide you with one (thanks to the generous cooperation of the Boys and Girls Club of Middlesex County).

We only have 20 canoes available for volunteers, so please register for this event as soon as possible. Canoes are available on a first come, first served basis. We also need volunteers on the riverbank to help move harvested plants from boats to dump trucks. Boaters are required to use life preservers/personal flotation devices. The group will be launching off DCR property just outside of Medford Sq. and concentrating on the water chestnut just downstream of the I-93 Bridge. If interested RSVP by email to jonathan@groundworksomerville.org, or call Jonathan Reis at (617) 628-9988. In your RSVP, please indicate your full name, phone number, email address, and whether you will need a canoe.