Credit: Christine Bergeron
It may sound like a B-movie plot line, but invasive aquatic plants are a real threat for native freshwater fauna, including snails. This week, I published an article on the Scientific American Guest Blog highlighting an effort to take back habitat in the Eno River from an invasion of hydrilla, an invasive aquatic weed that was introduced through to the US through the aquarium trade. Have a look at my article to learn about our misadventures in finding tiny snails in the river and the challenges of invasive plant management along the way! Four years in, the early signs of success are due in large part to the collaboration of many partners, including: academia (i.e., our research!), local municipalities, county governments, state conservation, environmental, and public health agencies, federal agencies, industry partners, and engaged residents.