Volunteer while social distancing! We're looking for volunteers to help remove Island Apple Snail egg masses and adult/juvenile snails from the lakes at Langan Park on June 11th from 9am-1pm. Volunteers can gather eggs by kayak or on foot! It's a big plus if you have your own kayak!
The Island Apple Snail (Pomacea maculata) is a highly invasive aquatic snail from South America that has taken over the lakes at Langan Park. Island Apple Snails were first seen in Langan Park in 2003 and are thought to have been introduced by people releasing them from their aquariums.
These snails are a threat to our Gulf Coast ecosystems because they colonize very quickly. Bright pink egg masses containing up to 2,000 eggs are laid by females every few days and eggs hatch after within two weeks of being laid. They destroy habitats of native animals, eating large amounts of vegetation and turn an aquatic plant-based system into an aquatic desert. Some of these snails have already made their way downstream in Three Mile Creek and they pose a huge threat to the Mobile Tensaw Delta if they continue to spread. Elimination of Apple snails must be undertaken before RESTORE funded lake enhancement and dredging can occur.
Volunteers will be provided rubber gloves, bug spray, and tools needed to destroy egg masses and collect adults. Knee boots or rain boots are preferred. No open toed shoes will be allowed. A hat and sunscreen are recommended. Work in designated pairs staying a minimum of six feet apart but within sight and earshot of one another. Please email Madison at mblanchard@mobilebaynep.com with questions. Visit the link to fill out the volunteer waiver: https://form.jotform.com/
