Native aquatic plants have numerous benefits for water quality. They provide fish habitat, reduce erosion by anchoring sediment and produce oxygen. However, invasive weeds can grow out of control and become a nuisance. Invasive weeds restrict boating and fishing, reduce waterfront property values, disrupt the growth of native plants and

reduce fish reproduction.

Three non native invasive weeds that are particularly problematic in our waterways include Eurasian watermilfoil, water chestnut and curly leaf pondweed. In addition, European frogbit, is just beginning to become a problem. It has been found in Oneida Lake and Sterling Creek.

Hydrilla, another non-native invasive weed, has not established itself in central New York but it is currently taking over waterways in many nearby states including Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine.

In order to combat the spread of these invaders, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County have created a program called Adopt-a-Shoreline. By adopting a shoreline, you can help monitor a number of invasive aquatic plants in a local waterway. Your reports can also help discover and address newly arrived invaders before they become well-established.

The goal of the program is to stop the spread of invasive aquatic plants into, within, and from central New York waters. Adoption of a shoreline involves learning to identify a handful of invasive aquatic plants by attending a free training offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension, and then filling out a monitoring report form one to two times per summer that describes what you do or do not find along your section of shoreline.

Once the monitoring forms are completed you can mail or e-mail your findings to watershed educators at Cornell Cooperative Extension. It's that easy. Anyone can participate and it is very easy to learn.

Currently, the Adopt-a-Shoreline program is recruiting volunteers for Owasco Lake, Cross Lake, Otisco Lake, Skaneateles Lake, Oneida Lake and the Seneca River. Please remember anyone can participate.

Are you interested in becoming an Adopt-a-Shoreline Volunteer? Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County is hosting a free volunteer training session from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 26, at the Education Center, 248 Grant Ave., in Auburn. (Pre-registration required). Participants will learn to identify, monitor and control invasive aquatic weeds.

If you would like to register for the training or would like to learn more about the Adopt-a-Shoreline program, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County at

255-1183.

Renee Jensen is a community educator of environmental issues at Cornell Cooperative

Extension of Cayuga County