The invasive water chestnut (Trapa natans) plant has arrived in the Town of Greece. These plants form dense, mat-like canopy layers that can choke out native plants, disrupt local fish populations, and severely hinder recreational navigation. First discovered locally in Braddock Bay, the infestation has now spread to the following waterbodies: Salmon Creek, Buttonwood Creek, Cranberry Pond, Long Pond, Buck Pond, Round Pond, and Slater Creek.
To prevent the water chestnut population from growing and clear up our ponds and waterways, the Town is working with various regional partners to organize community volunteer hand-pull events throughout the summer. These events will take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays from June 24th to August 1st, in various locations around the town. Hand-pulling is an effective way to manage water chestnut populations and halt them from spreading even further. It is also a great way to clear up dock areas and make them accessible again.
The Town of Greece is collaborating with the following organizations:
● New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC)
● Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (FL PRISM)
● Genesee Valley Audubon Society
● Genesee Land Trust
● Seneca Park Zoo
● State University of New York at Brockport (SUNY Brockport)
● Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District (MCSWCD)
For more detailed information about water chestnut: NYS DEC Water Chestnut Fact Sheet
For a full calendar of our water chestnut hand-pull events: Water Chestnut Handpull Calendar Flyer
Click Here to join the Mailing List regarding the Water Chestnut Removal Program
If you have further questions or inquiries, feel free to reach out to: mmorris@greeceny.gov
Our Impact To-Date
| Salmon Creek - June 24th | Long Pond - June 27th | Braddock Bay - July 1st | Buck Pond - July 8th | Salmon Creek - July 11th | Buck Pond - July 15th | Braddock Bay - July 22nd | Braddock Bay - July 25th | Salmon Creek - August 1st | Total Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2,071 lbs |
1,141 lbs |
474 lbs |
1,234 lbs |
3,024 lbs |
1,792 lbs |
1,685 lbs |
1,391 lbs |
2,111 lbs |
14,923 lbs |