Healthy Life

Pledge to Protect initiative encourages community science, education, and action against invasive species.

The St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM) is calling on paddlers, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts to act against aquatic invasive species through its Pledge to Protect initiative. This July, community members can participate in hands-on volunteer efforts designed to safeguard freshwater ecosystems across the region.

This season’s featured events include a Water Chestnut Pull on Friday, July 11 in the Village of Heuvelton and a guided paddle on July 16 as part of the Aquatic Invasive Species Learning Experience (AISLE) program. Both events combine education with direct conservation impact and are free to join with registration.

“These efforts are how small actions create big change,” said Megan Pistolese-Shaw, SLELO PRISM’s Education, Outreach & Communications Coordinator. “When someone pulls an invasive plant from the water or reports their observations to the NYiMapInvasives community science app, they’re directly helping protect our lands and waters. That’s the power of the Pledge to Protect.”

The July 11 Water Chestnut Pull invites volunteers to meet at 9:45 a.m. and launch their watercraft by 10:00 a.m. for a scenic 3.5-mile paddle along the Oswegatchie River toward Eel Weir State Park. Participants will manually remove invasive water chestnut plants as they go. A limited number of boats and life jackets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is required by July 9 and can be done so here.

On July 16, the AISLE program offers a guided paddle and training session to help participants identify, monitor, and report aquatic invasive species. The program includes virtual plant ID lessons, digital tool training, and a field component. To register or check out the 2026 schedule, please visit the event page.

SLELO PRISM is also offering opportunities to help manage terrestrial invasive species this summer. Join the effort to restore native forests and natural areas by volunteering at a Terrestrial Invasive Species Removal Day. These group workdays are held throughout July and August and focus on removing harmful plant species from high-priority sites. To sign up or learn more, visit their event page.

In addition to events, community members are encouraged to explore the Water Protectors Toolkit, a curated resource hub that includes how-to guides, observation tools, and prevention tips.

For more information on how to get involved, visit sleloinvasives.org. To sign up for the Pledge to Protect, please visit ipledgetoprotect.org.