Maine towns fight off invasive flowers as they encroach on popular swimming pond

A multi-year effort is underway in Sedgwick and Brooksville to eradicate invasive purple loosestrife encroaching on Walker Pond, a popular summer destination in Maine. The plants begin flowering in late July and release millions of tiny seeds that can remain viable for years, threatening wetlands where native species thrive. A resident spotted the infestation at Mill Pond, connected to Walker Pond along Route 175, prompting the town of Sedgwick to act. Invasive-species specialist Alex Cammen will lead eradication efforts over the coming years, aiming to protect habitat for wildlife and the pond’s recreational use, including swimming and boating. The 20-by-100-foot patch is small but significant.