After a few previous (unsuccessful) attempts to join a Connecticut River Conservancy Water Chestnut Survey this summer, I finally got a chance to help! I'd coordinated with the leader of the project and with my work team so, after teleworking from very early in the morning, I headed over to Vermont (0800). I first stopped at UVAC in White River Junction and spent 45 minutes swimming (52 lengths). After this refreshing workout, I drove to Bellows Falls (arrived at 0945). The rest of the group, including the leader (Isabel, from Windham County Natural Resources Council) arrived a bit later - were five of us (two volunteers) and we all brought kayaks. Our launch point was just north of Bellows Falls (Joy Wah Chinese Restaurant). Between 1015 and 1145, we checked a shallow cove nearby on the Connecticut River. This survey actually began in 2019 but it will likely require about 12 years total to screen the area before the Water Chestnuts (invasive species) are completely eradicated. Despite two other visits to the same spot in 2024, we found more plants - it only takes one to survive and drop its seeds for about 20 new plants to sprout. It felt great to be using Tequila Sunrise for a volunteer project and I really enjoyed the wonderful (clear skies, low 70s) weather. Afterwards (1200), I drove back towards Hanover (via I-91, I-89), with a short stop for donations at the LISTEN Thrift Store in Lebanon on the way. Arrived at at my condo by 1345 and spent the rest of the day teleworking. Great paddling experience!
