Over the past couple of months we have had the pleasure of being outside more. Hudson Valley residents have been happier to be outdoors, in the fresh air and exploring what all of the counties have to offer.

While being outside, we have been able to come across many paths. Some of them may have led us to see new things or come across something that we didn't realize before.

My favorite part about being outdoors in the Hudson Valley is all of the wildlife and insects that I come across. The incredible views with green rolling hills, bright blue and plenty of sunshine lately have been wonderful to see this summer.

While outdoors, I love spotting butterflies, ladybugs, beautiful birds and furry wildlife friends. However, sometimes we are unsure at what we may come across until we do our own research.

Upon my adventure to Ulster County, NY, I came across a beautiful body of water surrounded by butterflies and plenty of greenery. While looking into the water I saw small, numerous pieces of plants that I couldn't figure out their identity.

I noticed how they were bunched together and were moving through the big body of water.

Have you ever spotted water chestnuts?

Canva
Canva
loading...

According to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), water chestnuts can be considered as an "aquatic invasive plant".

This plant first made its way to the US in the 1800's. In as early the 1880's, this aquatic plant was spotted in Schenectady County in New York. However, water chestnut can be found in about 40 counties throughout the state.

Where can you see water chestnuts in the Hudson Valley?

Canva
Canva
loading...

From rivers, ponds, streams and even lakes, this plant can be spotted in the more shallow end of these bodies of water. However, the stem can be range from 12 to 15 feet long which has roots that may be embedded in the soil.

Water chestnuts can look different to everyone depending on location and time of year.

Canva
Canva
loading...

Similar to any living thing, this aquatic plant can appear as a triangular shaped leaf, a tiny flower or even hard nuts. I have noticed them on bodies of water when they are in the shape of a hard nut.

Should we be concerned about water chestnuts?

Water chestnuts are able to cling on other objects which allows them to spread. I've noticed them near a boat and kayak before. You may have spotted water chestnuts while swimming, fishing or while on a canoe.

Be cautious of this plant due to its sharp sides. Those who know about water chestnuts understand how they can clog waterways.

Since this aquatic plant clings onto items and objects, it's important to make sure that you do your best to rid them. If you have equipment that is in the water, be sure to clean and dry it before and after you use it. Along with the gear that is used, this should also be cleaned.

Here's what to do if you spot water chestnuts in the Hudson Valley.

Be sure to grab some photos and send them to iMapInvasives if you believe you spotted water chestnuts.

There has been an invasive pest that landed in the Hudson Valley again

While an invasive worm species woke up again in the Hudson Valley.

Do you known of an invasive pest? Have you spotted water chestnuts before? Share with us below.

The Most Head-Scratching List Of Upstate New York Trivia You Have Ever Read!

Wait....is that Mr. Ed in the photo above? What on earth could that talking horse have to do with Upstate New York?

OK...trivia time! Where is the geographic center of New York State? Where are all the lollipop, corn dog, and cotton candy sticks made? Where is the oldest (and shortest) covered bridge in the U.S.? Where is the most visited celebrity grave of all located? Is there really such a thing as a two-story brick outhouse, and if so where the heck is it?

Well, if you answered "Upstate New York" to all of these you are right. And you will definitely enjoy this delicious list of trivia about our region!

Everybody loves a good story, or some head-scratching trivia facts. This list pulls the curtain back on nearly 40 amazing pieces of Upstate New York history you probably didn't know about. Are they earth-shaking? No. Are they interesting? Definitely!

Whatever happened to "that kid" in the Willie Wonka movie? Where was the first grand slam home run in organized baseball hit? Where is the oldest mini-golf in America located? Tell us the story of Binghamton's Kentucky Derby winner! Tell us the story about TV's "Mr. Ed" and his connection to Upstate New York! How could the oldest continuously operating Boy Scout troop be in a tiny Upstate New York village? And what was that controversy over famous singer Kate's Smith's Lake Placid, NY grave all about?

The answer to all of these questions and many more lie in Upstate New York.

Enjoy!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

Live in Bali Without Leaving the Hudson Valley

A Rosendale, NY Airbnb recreates Bali living in Ulster County

Gallery Credit: Jonah

More From 94.3 Lite FM