Volunteering to Remove Phragmites at Marion Lake

By Paul Stoutenburgh, Intern

On what started out as a calm Tuesday morning in the office, I volunteered to jump into the car with my coworkers, Jenn and Kate, to remove some Phragmites (an invasive wetland plant) from the shores of Marion Lake in East Marion, on the North Fork.  Shortly after arriving at Marion Lake, we realized we were underprepared for the intense dirty job ahead of us. 

We returned to the office to gear up against the marsh muck and sharp Phragmites stems, and returned to Marion Lake ready for battle.  The Phragmites removal is part of the Marion Lake Project coordinated by the Marion Lake Restoration Committee in collaboration with the New York State DEC.  The Restoration Committee has hired contractors to cut and wick (apply a chemical) to the Phragmites stems, but they are in need of volunteers to help remove the cut pieces of the plant so they can finish the project in time.

By the second hour of intense labor in the blazing sun yesterday, I was ready to fall onto the bed of sharp stems and take a nap.  A summer resident came and helped us out for a while – he told us about the flood that brought salt water into the Lake and allowed the invasive plant to establish itself here.  The saltwater killed the native vegetation and allowed for the “Phrag.” to take over.  We pushed through some minor flesh wounds and clothing tears, and finished the area we were assigned to. Surprising to Jenn, Kate and I, we just about filled the huge dumpster that I had joked about earlier in the day.  Volunteering to help restore the environment is like helping a friend in need; you walk away with a feeling of worth and accomplishment.  I’m looking forward to what comes next!