Volunteers in canoes fight invasive weeds in the Charles River

WHAT: For the fourth year in a row, Charles River Watershed Association and Charles River Canoe and Kayak are teaming up with hundreds of volunteers to fight an invasive weed in the Charles River. The invasive water chestnut can blanket areas of the river in Newton and Waltham, pushing out native species, disrupting the natural habitat, and preventing boat passage.

This Sunday, June 13, more than 50 volunteers will go out in canoes to hand-pull the weeds and get them out of the river. Public volunteer events will also be held on three other dates throughout the summer, and private groups from various local companies and summer camps are also scheduled to volunteer over the next six weeks. A short training, canoes, and all needed equipment is provided to volunteers.

For more information about the project, visit CRWA’s water chestnut web page at http://www.crwa.org/events/waterchestnut.html

Photo and video opportunities will be available.

WHEN: Sunday, June 13, 2010 from 10am to 2pm; Tuesday, June 22, 2010 from 5pm to 8pm; Saturday, June 26, 2010 from 10am to 2pm; Saturday, July 17, 2010 from 10am to 2pm

Events will take place rain or shine; in case of thunder, volunteers will wait until the storm passes.

WHERE: Charles River Canoe & Kayak, 2401 Commonwealth Ave, Newton, MA

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Charles River Watershed Association’s mission is to use science, advocacy and the law to protect, preserve and enhance the Charles River and its watershed. One of our country’s first watershed organizations, CRWA formed in 1965 in response to public concern about the declining condition of the Charles River. Since its earliest days of advocacy, CRWA has figured prominently in major clean-up and watershed protection efforts that have dramatically improved the health of the Charles.