Five years ago, the Friends of Moody Pond (FMP) formed after discovering invasive Eurasian watermilfoil in Moody Pond. This invasive weed crowds out native plants, reduces biodiversity, diminishes fish habitat, and negatively impacts wetlands. If left unmanaged, it can form thick, floating mats of vegetation, clogging the water and hindering recreation. Thanks to donations, grants, and community participation at fundraising events, the non-profit organization has been able to hire aquatic invasive species divers to hand-harvest and remove more than 1,000 pounds of Eurasian watermilfoil from the pond.

Significant progress has been made, but continued fundraising is crucial to control the invasive plant. Each year since 2020, the Friends of Moody Pond have hosted an online auction to sustain these conservation initiatives. This year, the 5th Annual Online Auction begins on July 13th and concludes on Saturday, August 10th, at the 5th Annual Ice Cream Social on Moody Pond, 331 Forest Hill Ave., from 4 PM to 7 PM.

This free, family-friendly event is a thank you to the community for their support in preserving and protecting the pond. Attendees can view auction items and participate while enjoying live music and ice cream.

Upper Saranac Foundation Aquatic Invasive Species Divers will be present to demonstrate their hand-harvesting equipment and answer questions about Eurasian watermilfoil.