Senior High School Advanced Placement Environmental Science students recently participated in an important environmental research project in partnership with Stony Brook University and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Led by Ph.D. candidate Carlos Morantes Ariza, students assisted researchers in removing the invasive aquatic plant known as water chestnut from the Massapequa Lake. Native to Eurasia, water chestnut can rapidly spread and create challenges for local ecosystems by blocking sunlight from reaching other aquatic plants, reducing available habitat for native fish, and disrupting feeding patterns for birds such as ospreys and bald eagles.

During the field experience, students put on waders and used canoes and kayaks to help researchers collect and remove the invasive plants. West Babylon students have participated in this ongoing research effort since its beginning three years ago, as scientists work to develop sustainable strategies for managing and preventing the spread of water chestnut.

The hands-on experience provided students with a firsthand look at the challenges involved in protecting local ecosystems and the importance of environmental stewardship. Through their continued involvement, West Babylon students have made meaningful contributions to conservation efforts and helped reduce the return of water chestnut in parts of the lake.