Waterchestnut Madness

Undaunted by a late morning downpour, Riverkeeper volunteers joined forces with US Fish & Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers and NYS Parks to stage a search and destroy mission on Tonawanda Creek. Massive flotillas of aggressively invasive, aquatic waterchestnut plants are colonizing the calm channel around Ellicott Island. The crew sought to eradicate the plants before they go to seed. Despite a full morning's labor, half of the channel yet remains to be cleared.


Riverwatch Captain Tom shows off a canoeload of waterchestnut pulled from Tonawanda Creek. The plant must be carefully removed by reaching underwater and pulling the roots out of the muck to avoid breaking off just the floating portion.


Plant material was weighed in order to track and document the group's efforts.

Paul takes a breather while overlooking a great big bin o' waterchestnut.

The plants were barged to shore by a variety of paddle craft and motor boats.

Riverwatch Captain Mike masterminded the operation.

We'll need more help in two weeks to completely clear the channel!! Volunteers on shore and on the water (with paddle craft or small power boats) are welcomed. Stay tuned for a date and time, or contact the Riverkeeeper office for more info.