Water Weeds Workshop:

A Look At Invasive Aquatic Plants

The Town of Newtown’s Inland Wetlands Agency, Land Use Agency, Conservation Commission, and the Lake Zoar Authority will present a “Water Weeds Workshop” (invasive aquatic plants) Sunday, May 18.

Roslyn Selsky of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station will be the featured speaker. The event, which is free and open to all, will take place at Edmond Town Hall’s lower meeting room and will begin at 2 pm.

During the workshop, Ms Selsky will introduce water plants that have become invasive in Newtown and the surrounding area. She will have specimens on hand for people to view close up as well as a slide presentation. The workshop will also cover practical ways to keep invasive plants from spreading. Each participant will receive a folder or information.

“Education is the best ‘herbicide’ against these invaders of our native ecosystems,” said Robert Sibley, deputy director of Land Use. “I highly recommend this seminar to any member of the public with interests in boating, conservation, or nature education.”

“These invasive plants are very robust and persistent,” said Ann Astarita, Newtown’s wetlands enforcement official. “This workshop is a great opportunity for people who love the water to learn some simple steps to ensure invasive don’t hitch a ride on their gear and spread.”

While registration is not required, event coordinators do ask that interested parties call the Inland Wetlands Agency at 270-4350 or e-mail ann.astarita@newtown-ct.gov to let them know how many to expect.