Welcome to Water Watchers!

What is a WATER WATCHER?

A Water Watcher is more than just a lake lover, they’re a steward of freshwater habitats.

They are committed to protecting their ponds, lakes, rivers, and wetlands from the threat of invasive species.

Water Watchers keep a close eye on their local waterways by spotting changes, reporting concerns, and sharing knowledge with others.

Why does it matter?

Freshwater water bodies are one of our most important ecosystems, yet they are also one of the most vulnerable. Lakes, rivers, and ponds are the lifeblood of communities, supporting people, wildlife, and the environment. When invasive species or harmful practices disturb these ecosystems, the impacts ripple far beyond the shoreline.

Freshwater ecosystems provide essential benefits for both nature and people. They help reduce flood risk, filter pollutants, and support a wide range of plants and animals by offering diverse habitats. But when invasive species spread, they disrupt these delicate, interconnected systems. They outcompete the native plants that stabilize shorelines, degrade habitat for vulnerable fish, and limit opportunities for fishing, boating, and other recreation.

What we do at Water Watchers

Hosting invasive plant paddles.

We host Invasive Plant Paddles, which are guided paddling sessions where participants learn how to identify aquatic invasive species while exploring local waterways. These events combine recreation with education, helping local paddlers to become active stewards of their environment.

Training for volunteers or staff!

We offer training for volunteers, community groups, and organizations interested in hosting or supporting invasive species monitoring events.

Participants learn:

  • How to identify common aquatic invasive plants and animals

  • Safe and effective monitoring and reporting techniques

  • Best practices to prevent the spread of invasive species

Invasive plant monitoring.

At the request of communities, partners, or concerned individuals, our team conducts monitoring of specific water bodies for aquatic invasive species. These efforts support early detection and response, helping to protect native ecosystems before invasives become established.

How to get involved!

Want to get a step ahead?

Water Watchers Survey Form

Register for a plant paddle!

We will be hosting mulitple paddles around New Brunswick. Find one close to you using our calendar. Bring your own boat, canoe, kayak, paddle board, etc.

Sign up for volunteer training.

The volunteer training sessions are to help you understand how to better steward your favourite waterbody. These sessions will cover how to monitor for invasive species, identify native and invasive plants, and accurately collect site and survey data.

TAKE THE WATER WATCHERS PLEDGE!

Commit yourself to keeping a watchful eye over your favourite waterbodies and become a Water Watcher!

Organize your own monitoring plan for your lake!

We’ll supply beginner materials, a general outline of previous monitoring options, and pass the torch off to you.

You’ll be responsible for gathering volunteers, setting the frequency, and collecting data.

Invasive Plant Patrol Program

Learn more

Looking to go above and beyond? Take part in the Invasive Plant Patrol (IPP).

It’s based on the successful program established in 2003 by the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program (VLMP) ​

It’s an opportunity to gain training, technical services and resources to support volunteers in a province wide effort to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species​

Think you’ve spotted an invasive species?

If you are unsure whether a plant is invasive or not, take a photo and upload it through the iNaturalist app or online at iNaturalist.ca. Make sure to take in-focus, close-up photos with identifying features that are clearly distinguishable. 

Invasive Species in NB

Resources

Follow this link to find out more about aquatic invasive species fact sheets, management plans, and more!

🔍These two submerged plants might look alike underwater, but a closer look helps tell them apart! 🍃Common Waterweed is a native aquatic plant in NB and has leaves that grow in whorls of three around the stem. Its leaves have smooth edges, giving
🌊This summer, aquatic invasive species work kept us busy! We did lots of Zebra Mussel monitoring all around the province. We installed and later removed 20 collector plates along the Wolastoq, ranging from Perth-Andover down to the Saint John Marin
🕵Plants that can look so similar are VERY different once you know what to look for! 🌿Common Bladderwort is a common aquatic plant in NB. It is a free-floating species meaning it has no roots! Its leaves are finely divided and arranged alternately
⏰Attention! Zebra mussel eDNA has been detected in the Wolastoq all the way down to Evandale! 🤝We are asking residents across the province to throughoughly inspect their docks, boats, and other related aquatic equipment and infrastructure for inva
Watershield vs European Frogbit 🐸🌱 🕵Spotting the difference between this native species and its invasive lookalike comes down to what it's hiding underneath. 🛡Native Watershield is a small lily pad type plant that grows oval-shaped leaves on t
🌿Large Leaf Pondweed vs Curly Leaf Pondweed! 🕵Spotting the difference between these pondweeds can be really easy. 💦While they are both in the pondweed family, these two plants are quite different. Native Large Leaf Pondweed, like its name sugge
We have a bunch of events lined up in October in the Moncton area - check it out! 🚵🦎🌿🔍🐍🕷🐾🍀
🕵Northern Blue Flag vs Yellow Flag Iris! 🌿Spotting the difference between these two irises can be a bit of a challenge once the flower falls but it is still important to remember the differences. 🔎The main plants consist of linear, sword-like l
Happy #NationalForestWeek! 🌲 This week, we’re celebrating the incredible forests of New Brunswick which are home to resilient systems that capture carbon, provide vital wildlife habitat, and offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure!