SARANAC LAKE — On Saturday, Aug. 9, the Friends of Moody Pond will welcome the Saranac Lake community to their Sixth Annual Ice Cream Social, a free, family-friendly event featuring live music and ice cream. Held from 4 to 7 p.m. at 331 Forest Hill Avenue, the celebration will showcase performances by Rustic Riders and local guitarist Christian Rottner, playing on the shores of Moody Pond. Ice cream will be provided courtesy of Stewart Shops and Donnelly’s, with coupons for Mountain Mist.

The Ice Cream Social also marks the conclusion of FMP’s Sixth Annual Online Auction, which is live now through Aug. 9 at https://tinyurl.com/yrrnd8zm. Featuring gift certificates, local goods, and unique items donated by area businesses, the auction raises thousands of dollars each year for the organization’s ongoing mission to eradicate Eurasian watermilfoil, an aggressive aquatic invasive species, from the pond. All of the proceeds from this fundraiser go toward the removal of EWM.

Since its founding in 2019, Friends of Moody Pond has been at the forefront of efforts to protect the pond. In 2021, FMP began enlisting professional divers to hand-harvest EWM, removing more than 900 pounds in the first summer. Thanks to community support and grants, along with diligent monitoring, less than 10 pounds have been removed so far this year. These results highlight the ongoing success and effectiveness of persistent, targeted management efforts. Continued vigilance will be key to maintaining these hard-won gains and preventing reinfestations.

The Upper Saranac Foundation’s Aquatic Invasive Dive Team will return to the pond in August to continue managing the EWM.

“Based on growth observed during June and July monitoring visits, our staff will conduct targeted harvesting. Particular attention will be given to areas with a history of Eurasian watermilfoil, ensuring that any potential regrowth from fragmentation is detected and managed before it matures and spreads further,” said Guy Middleton, Upper Saranac Lake Foundation executive director.

Members of the dive team will also be present at the Ice Cream Social to display their equipment and speak with community members about how they combat aquatic invasives.

“This is a great opportunity for people to learn more about what goes into protecting our local waters,” Middleton added.

Join Friends of Moody Pond on Aug. 9 to enjoy live music, indulge in summer treats and celebrate progress while supporting a cause that safeguards one of Saranac Lake’s natural treasures. Everyone is invited, all ages and well-behaved dogs too, to enjoy this summer gathering.