LENOX, Mass. - A group of volunteers is spending their time removing the invasive water chestnut from Laurel Lake.

Deb Bronston-Culp and a neighbor reached out on social media to ask people to come and help eradicate the pesky plant before its seeds start dropping.

“Those seeds can last up to 12 years when they drop to the bottom of the lake bed," Bronston-Culp said. "It will as you can see really spread out to the point where it will be blocking all light from penetrating below the surface and that will kill all marine life in the lake."

On this day, a group of moms came with their children who learned about the invasive species and the value of what a little community service could do. 

“We all enjoy being out on lakes in the Berkshires together and this is a great way to help show our kids how to take care of the land that we live on and hope to preserve it for many years to come,” Amanda Mariano said.

The water chestnut can multiply fast and cover the lake killing off native plants and the fish which live off of them. The thick vegetation can also limits boating and other forms of recreation. 

Boden Mariano became very knowledgeable about the plant and knew why he needed to help.

“Water chestnut will sort of wreck the lake basically nobody else can do anything in it and lakes are great to play in, fish in and yeah if they get destroyed, we have none left and then that’s that,” said Boden Mariano.

The effort is ongoing, and Bronston-Culp is encouraging people to go out and help pull out the water chestnut whenever they can so the lake can still be enjoyed.

“If you have a kayak or a board or a canoe or a pontoon boat, just get in the water and start weeding,” Bronston-Culp said.

If you would like to help, you can reach out to Laurel Lake weeders at their email, laurellakeweeders@gmail.com.