Audubon Community Nature Center is looking for help on Saturday morning, June 24, for its annual summer attack on the invasive European Water Chestnut. Your reward will be a lot of fun and a great sense of accomplishment, like these volunteers experienced at an earlier pull.

The Audubon Community Nature Center is asking for the public’s help on Saturday, June 24, from 9 a.m. to noon for its yearly battle to clear Big Pond of the European Water Chestnut.

The European Water Chestnut can cover a water body so densely it chokes out other plants and animal life. A different species from the water chestnut that can be purchased in cans, the plant is kept in check in its native habitat in Europe, Asia and Africa by local insect parasites not found in North America.

Three hours of time will make a difference.

Since 2013 dedicated staff and volunteers have worked to control this infestation and prevent it from spreading to other waterways in the region, including Conewango Creek and Chautauqua Lake. ACNC staff has also assisted with Water Chestnut monitoring and removal work within the Chautauqua Lake Watershed through their partnership with the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy and the Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance.

The water chestnut is just one of the invasive species that ACNC works to address in its Land Use Management Plan. The plan was created to protect the unique ecosystems found within the 600 acres of property that ACNC oversees that include swamps, wetlands, ponds, upland forests, fields, vernal pools, and more.

This task requires being in the water wearing waders. Water Chestnut pullers can expect to get wet and muddy. Volunteers should plan to bring their own hats, heavy socks, waders if you have them, life jackets, sunscreen, and bug spray. Audubon has some waders to borrow; call (716) 569-2345 to reserve.

Volunteers must be at least 13 years of age and those up to age 17 must be supervised by an attending adult.

Registering ahead of time helps with the planning. Call 716-569-2345 or click through “Programs and Events” at AudubonCNC.org. Walk-ins are also welcome. Volunteers are invited to visit the Nature Center building for free afterwards.