ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — An invasive aquatic plant threatening several waterways in the Town of Greece is now the focus of a major restoration effort aimed at protecting local wildlife and preserving recreational access.
Water chestnuts, first discovered locally in Braddock Bay, have spread to seven additional waterways: Salmon Creek, Buttonwood Creek, Cranberry Pond, Long Pond, Buck Pond, Round Pond and Slater Creek.
The invasive species spreads rapidly, forming thick mats across the water’s surface that block sunlight, reduce oxygen levels and crowd out native vegetation. The plants can also disrupt fish and wildlife habitats and make it difficult for boaters and other recreational users to navigate local waterways.
Now, the Town of Greece is receiving $539,185 in federal funding to help combat the growing problem.
The funding, awarded through the EPA-funded Great Lakes Restoration Community Grant Program, will support invasive species management and aquatic habitat restoration throughout the Braddock Bay watershed. Greece was the only municipality in the Great Lakes region selected to receive the grant.
According to town officials, the initiative grew in part from concerns raised by residents about the spread of water chestnuts in their communities.
“What makes it especially meaningful is where it started. Our residents brought this concern forward, the Town listened, and together with our regional partners we turned it into a project that attracted more than half a million dollars in federal funding,” Town Supervisor Jeff McCann said.
The project will target all eight affected waterways through mapping, monitoring, invasive plant removal and habitat restoration.
The town will lead the initiative alongside several regional partners, including SUNY Brockport, which will oversee scientific research and water quality monitoring. Finger Lakes PRISM will handle invasive species management, while the Seneca Park Zoo Society will coordinate volunteer efforts and community education.
Additional partners include the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Genesee Land Trust, Genesee Valley Audubon Society and Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District.
The town has previously organized volunteer hand-pulling events to help remove water chestnuts and prevent further spread. The removal efforts can also help reopen areas that have become difficult to access because of the invasive plants.
Grant-funded restoration work is expected to continue through December 2028.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.