YOU can control Water Chestnut!
Invasive water chestnut is a fast-growing annual and, if left unattended, will easily cover an entire waterbody. YOU can prevent it from clogging our rivers—Become a Weed Warrior. Learn how to identify, remove, and report water chestnut infestations on our rivers, using our new App. We recommend you watch our training video. Whether you prefer working alone or with a team, your help is needed. Become a Weed Warrior. | ![]() |
IDENTIFY:
Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is a rooted, floating aquatic plant that is easily identified.
1. Floating leaves form a rosette | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
REMOVE:
Hand-pulling infested areas repeatedly is the most effective way to achieve long-term control
1. The best time is when the plants first appear at the water surface in early May. They are small, and you should gently pull up the whole plant, including its roots. |
DISPOSE:
Any disposal method must ensure that there is no possibility for viable plants or seeds to be re-released into the river.
• Composting is the best, but the plants must be away from the water and above the floodplain |
REPORT:
Use our reporting App to share with us and other river users where you have seen or pulled water chestnut.
![]() |
![]() |
THANK YOU FOR BECOMING A WEED WARRIOR VOLUNTEER!
When you are on the water:
• Wear a life jacket |
LEARN MORE ABOUT:
Invasives on our rivers
Mapping and managing invasive water chestnut
Weed Warriors
OARS and other organizations hold volunteer-pulling events. If you or your employer are interested in joining these fun and rewarding service opportunities, email OARS or call 978-369-3956.
SIGN UP TO RECIEVE NEWS & UPDATES FROM OARS, INCLUDING COMMUNITY WATER CHESTNUT PULL EVENTS
