Join the Squam Lakes Association on Saturday, May 31, from 10am – 2pm for the first Weed Watchers training session of the season and learn how to identify aquatic invasives. The Weed Watchers volunteer program enables anyone to help protect our lakes against the spread of invasive species by becoming an extra pair of eyes on the lake to spot and report potential invasions. After this training session, you will be able to look for invasive species like variable milfoil on your own and know how to report sightings on Squam as an official Weed Watcher!

Watershed Resource Assistant Fay O’Toole will lead the program, teaching participants how to ID and where to search for invasives. For this training, the SLA will provide kayaks, life vests and aquascopes, which allow surveyors to get a look under the water’s surface. However, you are welcome to bring your own materials, as well as any questions you have. For more information, or to sign up for this volunteer program, visit the SLA website (squamlakes.org) or contact the SLA directly (603-968-7336).

Variable milfoil was first identified in Squam Lake in 2000. Our efforts hand-pulling and using a Diver Assisted Suction Harvester for removal have proven successful; there has not been a new infestation of variable milfoil identified on the Squam Lakes since 2007. Our Weed Watcher network is crucial for finding invasive blooms so we can stop the spread in its tracks.

The Squam Lakes Association is dedicated to conserving for public benefit the natural beauty, peaceful character and resources of the watershed. In collaboration with local and state partners the SLA promotes the protection, careful use and shared enjoyment of the lakes, mountains, forests, open spaces and wildlife of the Squam Lakes Region.