SARANAC LAKE — Just over five years ago, after discovering invasive Eurasian watermilfoil in Moody Pond, the Friends of Moody Pond was formed.

The 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. Substantial progress has been made; however, fundraising is key to bringing the invasive plant under control.

Each year since 2020, the FMP has organized an online auction featuring items and gift certificates from local businesses and artists. For instructions and to participate, start at the Friends of Moody Pond website: friendsofmoodypond.org/our-events.

This year the 6th Annual Online Auction began on July 12 and concludes on Saturday, Aug. 9, at the 6th Annual Ice Cream Social on Moody Pond, 331 Forest Hill Ave., from 4 to 7 p.m. As a thank you to the community for their support to preserve and protect the pond, this event is free and family-friendly. Attendees can view items and participate in the auction while listening to live music and enjoying ice cream. Also, the Upper Saranac Foundation Aquatic Invasive Species Divers will be on hand to demonstrate how they utilize their equipment for hand-harvesting and answer questions about Eurasian watermilfoil.