Hydrilla is an unwelcome guest in the Eno River, according to Charlie Peek, the public information officer for the North Carolina State Park system.

“It grows from tubers way underneath the water. Once it gets a head start it just grows and grows until you’ve got this almost impenetrable mat of leaves and stems on the surface,” says Peek.

He says the invasive aquatic weed poses a threat to native wildlife.

“Not only is it just an irritant, in that it can coat the surface of the water, but it’ll crowd out native vegetation and native animal species, such as the fish and the mollusks. Then it becomes pretty serious because you’re upsetting the balance of that ecosystem.”

Hydrilla was first spotted in the Eno River State Park in 2005. Since then, it has spread from Hillsborough to 15-501 in Durham. Officials with the Eno River Hydrilla Task Force estimate it’s moving downriver at a rate of one mile each year. They worry it will become a serious problem if the plant reaches Falls Lake.

Now, the task force is launching a two-year study to see if an EPA-approved herbicide can stop the spread of hydrilla. The herbicide will be deployed during warm weather in parts of the Eno State Park starting this year.

Officials will hold a public information session on the plan this Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Conference Room 230 at the Whitted Building in Hillsborough.  You can find more on that meeting here.

Related Stories
‹
Invasive Plant Spreads To Eno River
Now that a fast-growing invasive plant has been found in the Eno River, state officials are racing to control its spread.
State Officials Offer Safety Warning After Teen Injured in Fall at Eno Quarry
A 15-year-old girl sustained minor injuries after slipping and falling into the water at the Eno River Rock Quarry recently. The girl was taken to Duke Hospital in good condition after the fall. There is a large cliff at the location near the Orange County line where the park continues into Durham County. Visitors have […]
Hydrilla Treatment Underway in Eno
The Town of Hillsborough has begun a treatment called Sonar Genesis to fight the spread of Hydrilla, an invasive water plant found in the Eno River. Hydrilla creates thick mats that coat the surface of the water, impeding on recreational activities and the health of fish and wildlife. According to Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens, the […]
Project to Combat Hydrilla in Eno River Deemed 'Successful'
A pilot project working to reduce an invasive weed in the Eno River is reaching its conclusion and officials are looking to the future of protecting the river. Hydrilla is an aquatic plant that can create a nearly impenetrable layer in rivers, according to the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “It grows […]
New Year's Day Tradition Continues at Eno River
This New Year’s Day people all across the state will head outside to celebrate a tradition that began at Eno River State Park, First Day Hikes. North Carolina State Parks will host guided hikes continuing a tradition that began many years ago on the banks of the Eno River. “Even before Eno River State Park […]
Deal to Expand Eno River State Park in Hillsborough Made Official; Historic Speedway Added to Park System
After nearly four years of negotiations, Eno River State Park is formally adding more than 205 acres in Hillsborough to its control.
Eno River Association to Host 45th Annual EnoFest in July
The Eno River Association will host its annual EnoFest this summer to celebrate the watershed's history and promote environmental awareness.
Eno River State Park Celebrating 50th Birthday, Opening New Visitor Center This Week
This week marks the 50th anniversary of the first land acquisition for Eno River State Park, which stretches across 4,600 acres in northern Orange and Durham Counties. To celebrate, the park and the Eno River Association are marking the anniversary with daily activities — including raffles, a fundraising challenge and a special event on Friday. […]
Discolored Water is Still Safe, Says Town of Hillsborough
Water in the town of Hillsborough is still safe to drink and use despite temporary discoloration. According to the town, recent storm bursts and low flow in the Eno River likely caused unusually high sediment levels in raw water reaching the treatment plant. Rain stirs up sediment in the town’s water sources, such as the […]
‘Bounty’ Offered on Invasive Bradford Pear Trees in NC
Written by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS A new program in North Carolina is placing a “bounty” on invasive Bradford pear trees as they spread through forests in the state. The initiative is set to start with an April 23 event in Greensboro and could expand to more locations in the fall, according to North Carolina State […]
›