Free Aquatic Plant Identification Workshop

Nashua River Watershed Association's free "Aquatic Plant Identification Workshop" will be Thurs., July 16, 6 p.m., at Petapawag boat launch off Nod Road, Groton. The two-hour class will be led by Tom Flannery, Aquatic Ecologist with Mass. Dept. of Conservation and Recreation's Lakes and Ponds Program.

The workshop begins with introduction to invasive, non-native species issue, how exotic species are introduced into our waterways, methods of dispersal, basic terminology, and guidance on performing bi-weekly monitoring and completing plant surveys. Remaining class will engage participants in hands-on identification. A variety of non-native and native plant species are provided, and people are encouraged to bring their own samples. Participants will become familiar with using a dichotomous key and, although emphasis is on exotic species, goal is to teach people how to use the key so they will be able to identify common aquatic plants in their lake or pond.

Free and open to the public, made possible by a grant from Greater Lowell Community Foundation. Attendees may park at NRWA River Resource Center, 592 Main St. (Rt. 119), Groton, and walk to nearby boat launch. Limited to 20 people; pre-registration required.

To pre-register, or for more info, contact Martha Morgan, NRWA Water Programs Director, at (978) 448-0299, or email MarthaM@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.