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The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Hydrilla Hydrilla is an aquatic plant that has earned the title of “world’s worst invasive aquatic plant.” It is listed as a federal noxious weed and can rapidly infest rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. The Connecticut River hydrilla is genetically distinct from other known hydrilla strains and research on this very invasive plant is ongoing. CRC is collaborating with partners to develop new strategies and increase community awareness to reduce the spread of this harmful plant in our watershed. Read On, or Click Below to Jump to a Specific Section What is hydrilla? How hydrilla spreads How hydrilla is being managed Hydrilla resources and reports What you can do to reduce the spread Hydrilla in the Connecticut River Watershed What is Hydrilla? Hydrilla (hydrilla verticillata) is an invasive aquatic species that was first identified in the Connecticut River in 2016 in Glastonbury, CT. Three years later, 2019 and 2020, the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station (CAES) surveyed the Connecticut River from Agawam, MA to the Long Island Sound, reporting at least 774 acres of hydrilla. See CAES map of invasive plants here . In 2023, the Connecticut River strain was documented in several lakes and ponds in both Connecticut and Massachusetts, which indicates that it continues to spread. Hydrilla can outcompete native species and, as a result, replace habitat for sensitive species, including migratory fish. In recent years, thick mats of hydrilla have crowded out boaters, anglers and those who come to recreate on the Connecticut River. Marinas and municipalities have reported that they can no longer access boat slips and docks due to the severity of the hydrilla infestations, limiting business opportunity. How Hydrilla Spreads Hydrilla propagates through fragmentation, meaning that when it breaks apart, fragments of the plant may float downriver and re-root, creating another mat of hydrilla at a new location. The hydrilla in the Connecticut River is different than any other species of hydrilla found. It does not have tubers on the roots of the plant, as is usual for hydrilla. Because hydrilla spreads through fragmentation, when paddlers, boaters and wildlife become entangled in hydrilla, they can spread the plant to reaches downriver. Additionally, when boaters move from water body to waterbody, hydrilla fragments can remain in or on the vessel and be introduced to new waterbodies that way. Once in a new location, this invasive species repopulates itself rapidly and with strength. What You Can You Do To Reduce the Spread of Hydrilla The first step to slowing the spread of hydrilla is to share this page with friends, family and neighbors who visit the river. When you see hydrilla in the river, avoid the infestation as much as possible so that it does not further fragment and spread. If you see hydrilla north of Agawam, MA, or in a lake or pond, be sure to report it to CRC at the contact information below, or the appropriate state agency. Finally, as you travel between water bodies, it is imperative that everyone cleans, drains and then dries their boats – this applies to kayaks, canoes, jet skis, power boats and trailers. As the age old saying goes — “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boat as it travels between different water bodies Hydrilla spreads by fragmentation, and can easily be moved to new waters by hitching a ride on unsuspecting boats. To reduce the risk of spread, be sure to inspect and clean your boat. How the Spread of Hydrilla is Being Addressed Connecticut River Conservancy has been working with municipalities, nonprofit groups, government agencies, businesses, boaters and individuals to address the threat of hydrilla. A group of stakeholders has collaboratively written a 5 Year Management Plan to be updated on an annual basis with appropriate modifications. To learn more about the collaboration around hydrilla, watch this short documentary. An Executive Summary of the 12-Town Environmental Review Team Report conducted by Connecticut Resource Conservation & Development can be found here . The U.S. Army of Corps of Engineers held a virtual meeting in August, 2025, to update the public about the status of the hydrilla demonstration projects and management plans. The recording is available here. Hydrilla Resources Public Information Statement by Connecticut River Partners 5 Year Hydrilla Management Plan Benthic Mat use for Hydrilla Suppression – Report New York Times article about Hydrilla in the Connecticut River U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Demonstration website Hydrilla Storymap from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Connecticut River Conservancy's Hydrilla History For questions related to CRC’s hydrilla management program, contact Rhea at kbeerman - at- ctriver.org. Hydrilla management is not currently accepting volunteers, but if you're interested in helping to remove aquatic invasive species visit our water chestnut page or contact volunteer - at - ctriver.org .

achaffee at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 204 She/Her < Back Angela Chaffee Grant Strategist & Writer Angie began working with CRC in 2010 as an AmeriCorps member. Prior to joining CRC, she graduated with an M.S. from Antioch University New England’s Environmental Advocacy and Organizing Program. During her time there, she worked on a variety of water-focused projects that engaged communities with their natural resources. Angie grew up in Michigan, the “Great Lakes State,” where she also worked as an environmental educator, and got her B.S. in Natural Resources Management from Grand Valley State University. When she’s not working, you’ll find Angie in her garden or baking sweet treats for her friends, family, and co-workers. She lives in Springfield, MA with her husband, Kevin, and their two rescued pets. achaffee at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 204 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

kbuckman at ctriver.org 603-931-2448 She/Her < Back Kate Buckman Aquatic Ecologist Kate became CRC's Aquatic Ecologist in 2025 after serving as the River Steward for NH since 2022. She spent much of her career prior to joining CRC involved in marine and freshwater research. She received her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Smith College where she worked on coral reef ecology and education in Belize and her PhD from the MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography where she focused her thesis research on the ecology of fish at hydrothermal vent systems on the East Pacific Rise. Kate made the short trip north back to her home state of New Hampshire in 2010 and spent many years at Dartmouth College as a member of the Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program studying trophic transfer of mercury and assisting with community science programs in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. When not contemplating how awesome fish are, Kate can often be found puttering in her yard and gardens, hanging out on the porch pondering which house project to tackle next, or walking her wiggly dog around the neighborhood. kbuckman at ctriver.org 603-931-2448 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

slennard at ctriver.org 413-325-5995 She/Her < Back Stacey Lennard Events Manager & Source to Sea Cleanup Coordinator Stacey’s passion for the Connecticut River began in the spring of 1996 when, after moving to the valley from NYC, she and her husband embarked on their first paddle in celebration of his birthday. They have created a ritual of the event, bringing friends and family along for this annual birthday flotilla. Stacey began volunteering with CRC in the winter of 2015 and currently organizes our public events. She loves to combine her creativity and community-building skills to share the important work of CRC and inspire others to engage with their rivers. Stacey holds an M.F.A. in photography from UMass Amherst, an M.A. in Art Education from City College of New York and a B.F.A. from University of Michigan. She was the Executive Director of Youth Action Coalition—a community-based youth arts and social justice organization—for nearly 20 years, and has been an arts educator and facilitator in rural and urban schools and out-of-school settings. She lives in Leverett, MA with her husband, sons and new puppy, loves canoeing, backpacking, playing the cello, reading, and cooking. At her first Source to Sea Cleanup, Stacey and son Ethan dragged nine tires out of the river! Stacey hopes to be a Source to Sea Through-Paddler in the near future. slennard at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 211 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

fgerhardt at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 219 He/Him < Back Fritz Gerhardt Conservation Scientist Fritz joined CRC as Conservation Scientist in January 2019 but has been working as an ecologist and conservation scientist since 1987. He completed his B.A. in Religious Studies at Grinnell College, his M.F.S. in Forest Ecology at Harvard University, and his Ph.D. in Community Ecology at the University of Colorado. He has worked, studied, and taught with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Harvard Forest, Dartmouth and Middlebury Colleges, University of Colorado, Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, Vermont Institute of Natural Science, and NorthWoods Stewardship Center. For the past eleven years, he owned and operated an environmental consulting firm that specialized in conducting scientific research that furthered our understanding and conservation of the natural environment in northern New England and adjacent Canada. When not working, Fritz and his family enjoy living, walking, paddling, and gardening in the hills and valleys of the northern Connecticut River watershed. fgerhardt at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 219 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Aquatic Invasive Species Aquatic invasive species in the Connecticut River watershed can cause significant harm to local plants, animals, and ecosystems. Their aggressive growth and spread can lower biodiversity by reducing the availability of natural resources for beneficial native species and negatively impact recreational opportunities in rivers, lakes, and ponds. Water Chestnut and Hydrilla are the two aquatic invasive species that CRC focuses on managing through community science and regional coalitions. Water Chestnut The water chestnut is a rooted, floating aquatic plant. It is an annual plant that is not native to the United States and is categorized as an invasive species in the Connecticut River watershed. It is fast growing and quickly reproducing. If left unattended it will easily cover an entire waterbody. Water chestnut infestations have been found in most of the watershed – in NH, VT, MA, and CT – that the Connecticut River travels through. Click below to learn more about the origins of water chestnut and removal efforts along the Connecticut River. All About Water Chestnut Hydrilla Hydrilla (hydrilla verticillata) is an aquatic invasive species that was first identified in the Connecticut River in 2016 in Glastonbury, CT. Scientists discovered that the Connecticut River strain of hydrilla is genetically distinct from all other hydrilla. Since then, the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station (CAES) surveyed the Connecticut River from Agawam, MA to the Long Island Sound, reporting at least 774 acres of hydrilla. In 2023, the Connecticut River strain was documented in several lakes and ponds in both Connecticut and Massachusetts, which indicates that it continues to spread. Hydrilla can outcompete native species and replace habitat for sensitive species, including migratory fish . In recent years, thick mats of hydrilla have crowded out boaters, anglers and those who come to recreate on the Connecticut River. All About Hydrilla Human activity has been linked to the spread of aquatic invasive species. Boats that aren’t properly washed and dried can carry invasive species from one water body to another. It’s easy to help prevent the spread of these species by following three easy steps: CLEAN Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from all equipment before leaving water access. DRAIN Drain motor, bilge, livewell, and other water containing devices before leaving water access. DRY Dry everything for at least five days OR wipe with a towel before reuse. Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species starts with all of us. It’s an easy process that can help protect the important ecosystems of our watershed and keep our waterways clear for recreation for years to come. Learn more about how to stop aquatic hitchhikers. As another resource, the Connecticut River Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) has recently launched the new CT AIS Web App , where you can find information about aquatic invasive species threatening Connecticut’s freshwater systems. The web application is in a beta phase and over the next few months they will make improvements as needed and upload additional data to the Survey Data page (i.e., water quality data, transect data, plant collection data, 2004-2010 survey data, and invasive species survey data). Please use the form on the “Report AIS & Update Database” page to provide feedback and submit updated waterbody information. Volunteer for Invasive Species Removal and Monitoring Water chestnut can easily be identified and managed by trained volunteers pulling the plants from kayaks and canoes. CRC and partners organize weekly water chestnut pulls across the watershed! Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get on the water and have some fun… all for a good cause! Pulling events are part of a multi-organizational collaboration united in the goal of removing this invasive plant from all parts of the Connecticut River watershed. If you attend an organized pull, we will provide supplies and instruction on how to pull the plants. It’s easy to do, but the technique is important. You are welcome to bring your own boat, or borrow one of our foldable kayaks. While this is generally a paddle event, shallow motorboats, such as Jon boats, are helpful to shuttle loads of plants back to land. Our volunteer events run from June through August. Click here to find upcoming volunteer opportunities and sign up for our newsletter to get notifications for upcoming pulls! Want to get involved with hydrilla work? CRC also organizes quarterly hydrilla stakeholder meetings – if you are interested in attending, reach out to Kelly at kbeerman - at - ctriver.org. It's a messy job, but somebody's got to do it! Thanks to our incredible volunteers who help with water chestnut pulls. Our Volunteers in Action Special Thanks to Our Partners Aquatic invasive species in the Connecticut River watershed have long been a priority for organizations, groups, and individuals throughout the region. We are incredibly grateful to CRC’s network of partners and funders that help to collectively address the challenge of aquatic invasive species in our waters. Athletic Brewing Company Capitol Region Council of Governments Chicopee4Rivers City of East Hartford City of Middletown Community Foundation of Middlesex County - Janvrin Fund Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Watershed Farmington River Watershed Association Friends of Whalebone Cove Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, Sestero Fund Jonah Center for Earth and Art Laurie Callahan Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments MA Department of Conservation and Recreation NH DES Aquatic Invasives Species Program NH EAWSC Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species Panel Office of Aquatic Invasive Species Robert F. Schumann Foundation Town of Glastonbury US Army Corps of Engineers US Fish and Wildlife Service VT AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES (AIS) PREVENTION, MANAGEMENT, AND REGULATION Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District For questions related to CRC’s Aquatic Invasive Species work, or to connect about volunteering, contact us at volunteer - at - ctriver.org or 413.772.2020 x207.

Support the Connecticut River by making a contribution for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities. Please use the form below to make your contribution. Other Ways to Give Donate by Mail Please mail your check, made out to Connecticut River Conservancy, to: 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301 Donate by Phone To donate by phone or to get assistance with your donation, please contact us at 413-772-2020 More Ways to Give Learn about legacy and workplace giving, sponsorships, stock donations and more with more ways to give. For questions about making your gift to support Connecticut River Conservancy, contact Brett at bmorrison - at - ctriver.org or call 413.772.2020 x218.

< Back Tony Judge Trustee Tony grew up on the Connecticut River in South Hadley Falls. For many years, he’s worked as a broadcasting executive and radio, television and film producer. He served as board vice-chair for the National Wildlife Refuge Association. Now returned from the Midwest to the Valley and its great river, Tony’s eager to help the Connecticut River Conservancy in its vital, exciting work.

< Back Janki Darity Trustee With over 15 years of dedicated experience in the ethics and compliance profession, Janki has cultivated a strong foundation in fostering integrity and transparency across various sectors. She has been at the forefront of integrating programmatic frameworks into healthcare, consumer products, and technology organizations. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to advancing strategies that emphasize the importance of regulatory compliance and ethical responsibility with ongoing development improvements. Recently, she has chosen to pivot from the corporate sector to focus on nonprofit environmental sustainability programs, specifically in the area of watershed protection and conservation. This shift reflects a deep commitment to addressing global environmental challenges and leveraging her expertise to support sustainable initiatives. Moreover, Janki has a deep passion for the Connecticut River, a natural treasure she has cherished since moving with her family to Amherst at the age of seven. A lifelong traveler, Janki loves cycling and hiking with her partner Brian, as well as getting cozy with a good bourbon and the works of two of her favorite authors, Octavia Butler and Barbara Kingsolver.

Support the Connecticut River by making a contribution for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities. DOUBLE Your Impact! Make your fall gift by Nov. 17th to help earn the full $60,000 challenge Challenge donors have generously agreed to extend their MATCH until 11/17 to give the community more time to earn the full $60,000 Upper Valley Challenge. Join this opportunity for your generosity to do twice as much with CRC. Donate before 11:59PM on 11/17/2024 to DOUBLE your impact for clean water, healthy habitat, and resilient communities. Other Ways to Give Donate by Mail Please mail your check, made out to Connecticut River Conservancy, to: 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301 Donate by Phone To donate by phone or to get assistance with your donation, please contact us at 413-772-2020 More Ways to Give Learn about legacy and workplace giving, sponsorships, stock donations and more with more ways to give. For questions about making your gift to support Connecticut River Conservancy, contact Brett at bmorrison - at - ctriver.org or call 413.772.2020 x218.

amajor at ctriver.org 413-253-6855 She/They < Back Amanda Major Outreach & Events Coordinator Amanda joined CRC as the Outreach and Events Coordinator in 2024. She brings an enthusiasm for community-building and social change. Prior to working at CRC, Amanda's role was an outdoor educator, teaching kayaking and canoeing on the Deerfield River. During this time, they developed a deep gratitude and connection to nature along with a love for the rivers and forests of Western Massachusetts. With a background in reproductive justice and leadership development, Amanda is driven by the intersection of health, social change, and the power of gathering. They are particularly intrigued by the whats and whys behind our moments of connection. Amanda believes in the transformative power of community and strives to build spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Amanda holds both a BA and MA in International Development and Social Change from Clark University. In her free time, she enjoys paddling and participating any and all aquatic activities. amajor at ctriver.org 413-253-6855 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

< Back Tim Lewis Trustee, Secretary Tim retired from a long career in manufacturing, working at three different companies, each one smaller than the one before. The last was a family-owned business with 10 employees that made OEM Babbitt Bearings. It was a relationship made in heaven, and he managed it for 24 years. He served as Chairman of the Board of Education in Rocky Hill, CT, where he grew up and still lives. An avid paddler, and a former whitewater canoe racer, Tim enjoys multi-day canoe camping trips, preferably off the grid, and has paddled the Connecticut River source to sea. He is President of Great Meadows Conservation Trust, protecting and preserving vital flood plain wetlands and farmland along the Connecticut River in Wethersfield, Rocky Hill, and Glastonbury. Tim also works to protect and promote the river he knows and loves so well. CRC@ctriver.org