We are always looking out for threats to the Ipswich River and the neighboring Parker and Essex Rivers. Invasive species are such a threat and are part of a large problem globally, with plants and animals being transported by people from one place to another. Unfortunately, there are many examples of invasive species in in our region, but one group we are focused on is invasive aquatic plants. Exotic, invasive aquatic plants can infest water bodies causing problems for fish and for recreational uses. Infestations at ponds in the Parker, Ipswich and Essex watersheds have been documented and many more areas are vulnerable. Once established, these invasives are very difficult and costly to treat, so we want to have an early detection program in place to prevent further infestations.
In 2017, program staff from the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation Lakes and Ponds Program provided training to local volunteers on how to identify invasive aquatic plants. This year, we are setting out to utilize this training in survey several local ponds as well as segments of the Ipswich River. The Lakes and Ponds Program has provided identification guides that are very user friendly and reliable. At our recent training in Topsfield, volunteers practiced identifying invasive plants and native plants with samples from Hood Pond and parts of the Ipswich River. We plan to explore more sites and need assistance to monitor areas in North Reading, Wilmington, Ipswich and Boxford
Our Science & Monitoring Program is also getting a boost from the Bruce J. Anderson Foundation, who are funding our initiative for a volunteer water quality monitoring program in the Chebacco Lake watershed. This Essex program will combine water quality and invasive species monitoring.
Monitoring outings will be planned over the remainder of the summer. If you live in any of the communities mentioned above and would like to help, please contact Ryan at [email protected] or 978-412-8200. Surveys will mainly take place by canoe or kayak on ponds and sections of the river for each town it flows through.