Paddle with a purpose — help us remove the invasive water chestnut from our waterways! Water chestnut is a harmful aquatic, invasive species, which is known to take over stretches of water. When left unchecked, water chestnut has the potential to decimate ecosystems and eliminate recreational opportunities. Fortunately, it is easily identifiable and smaller infestations can be managed with trained volunteers hand-pulling the plant. The key to keeping water chestnut from invading new areas is to remove plants before they have a chance to set seeds.

The Jonah Center is looking for paddlers to help save the Floating Meadows (Mattabesset River) in Middletown from invasive water chestnut. This is a fun, satisfying activity — combining paddling, teamwork, enjoying beautiful scenery and wildlife. We launch from and return to the canoe and kayak launch near the Middletown transfer station. This is a partnership with the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) who handles registration, disposes of the plants through composting, and provides other assistance and leadership.

Paddlers should bring their own canoe or kayak with paddles and a PFD for each paddler! If you would like to borrow equipment*, please let us know in the registration form. Paddlers should also wear a hat, use sunscreen, and have water with them. It is highly recommended that paddlers also subscribe to the Jonah Center newsletter so that we can reach you in case of a weather-related change of plans. (If a paddle is cancelled, it is often held the next day, Sunday, if weather permits.)

Join us in Middletown, CT, Saturdays from May-July from 9 to 12:00! We have several volunteer opportunities at Floating Meadows in Middletown, CT on Saturdays from 9:00am - 12:00pm throughout the summer:

• June 7

• June 21

• July 5

• July 19

*We have a limited number of Oru Inlet foldable kayaks, paddles and PFD's to borrow. Please note that the max paddler height for the Inlet boats is 6'2" and the max paddler weight is 200 lbs.

What to Know:

Meeting location: Philip Salafia, Sr. Canoe and Kayak Launch, 181 Johnson St, Middletown, CT 06457, USA

What to Bring:

• Hat

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Water

• An extra layer for chilly weather

• Clothes that can get wet and dirty (and a change of clothes in the car just in case)

• Closed-toed shoes or water shoes (no Crocs or flip-flops but secured sandals are ok)

• A boat and paddles (unless you specified otherwise during registration)

• PFD (required - there are some available on site if you don’t have one)

• Optional: work gloves (example, gardening gloves)

  
  

Should you have any questions or concerns, please email kbeerman@ctriver.org or call 802-318-1390