Volunteers Needed for Town Farm Bay Restoration
by Mollie Wills,
May 20, 2010, page 11.....

The Lewis Creek Association is kicking off its second season of European frogbit removal in Charlotte. European frogbit is an invasive aquatic that resembles a small, free-floating water lily. Removal efforts will again be concentrated in the Town Farm Bay wetlands, at the confluence of the Thorp and Kimball Brooks. The invasive is prolific throughout the wetland and is jeopardizing the native flora and fauna.

During the 2009 season, field crew members and community volunteers removed more than seven tons of European frogbit, clearing approximately a quarter of the wetland complex. The Lewis Creek Association has expanded the project for the 2010 season and hopes to increase volunteer efforts as well.

The success of the European frogbit removal project depends greatly on community generosity and support. The Lewis Creek Association is currently seeking volunteers for the 2010 season as well as community members who are willing to lend canoes or kayaks for the nine-week period. Whether by donating your time or dusting off an old canoe, you will be greatly contributing to the restoration of one of Charlotte’s most valued ecosystems.

Volunteer days will be held on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. starting June 14. An additional volunteer day is scheduled for Saturday, June 26 from 1-3:30 p.m. We hope that you will join us as volunteers and spend a morning amid the abundant herons, egrets and other diverse plant and animal species that call Town Farm Bay home.

If you would like to lend a boat to the project for the 2010 season (June 7-August 6) or would like to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Sue Smith at ssmith@gmavt.net or call 425-2732.