Here is a list of key action items for Weed Watchers, from the 2020 Weed Watch Patrol Kickoff Meeting:
Wear your vest when patrolling so that others will recognize what you are trying to do. Engage the public – they are receptive to what we are doing!
Know which zone you are going to patrol and know who is on your team for that zone.
Be familiar with the native plants that you commonly see in your zone and be able to recognize them. The Blog is a great new resource that includes a list of native plants in Conway Lake.
Study the potential invasive plants in NH and know about their look-alikes. https://www.des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/publications/wd/documents/frightful_ fourteen.pdf
Know the high-risk areas in and around your zone(s) – high traffic, neighbors’ boat launches, and fishing holes, and know how the shorelines in your zone are impacted by prevailing wind patterns.
If you see something questionable, record and mark the location: take a photo, mark your location with a float marker, and record your position with a note on your Zone map. Use the Solocator app to take the photo so that the lat/long appears on the photo. Contact either Maria or Don if you do not recognize a plant or animal you have found. We may decide to email to Amy Smagula.
Patrol your zones at least 1-2 times a month during the growth season, and more often if you can.
Post the results of your patrols on the Blog. For each outing, include date, description of area covered, and what you have seen, and include photos.
Promote the critical importance of, and ways to successfully, Clean, Drain and Dry all craft, equipment, and shoes.
Meet at least once this season with Maria or Don even if you have been doing this for a long time.