Students remove 1000 pounds of invasive species

The Presidents of Shorecrest's Upper School Outdoor Club worked with the local organization Keep Pinellas Beautiful in removing an invasive species from our ecosystem. Students Luke McDevitt ‘20 and Erin Mullins ‘20 used canoes, laundry baskets and rakes to remove 1000 pounds of invasive water lettuce from Crescent Lake. 

Water lettuce can cover the lake's surface and prevent light from reaching the native species on the lake bottom. Also, when an influx of water lettuce decomposes, it can yield harmful algae blooms that drain into Coffee Pot Bayou, spreading throughout the Bay. 

The Chargers made a significant dent in the water lettuce population, but the work is not done yet! There are regular, local clean-ups - typically on the last weekend of each month - to help control the population. 

To learn more and help control this invasive species in our community visit the Friends of Crescent Lake Facebook Page.