A multi-organizational group gathered in Oak Brook recently to tackle the invasive aquatic plant hydrilla in Ginger Creek.
Deanna Doohaluk remarked, ‘Boys and their toys,’ as team members tinkered with motorized backpack sprayers filled with herbicide, highlighting the seriousness of the mission at hand.
Claire Snyder, a natural resources specialist for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), led the effort aimed at stopping the spread of hydrilla, which can rapidly multiply if not managed properly.
‘We’ve been working since fall on plans,’ Snyder noted, as the group assembled after a rain shower.
She explained that the plant can propagate easily: ‘Rip off a leaf and it floats away [and establishes downstream].’
The existence of hydrilla in Ginger Creek was first noted last fall when a private contractor for a homeowners group detected the weed upstream near the creek’s headwaters.
Rooted hydrilla was later found in the upper stretches of the creek, with fragments identified in the middle portion.
So far, the lower section—which flows into Salt Creek—remains free from this invasive species.
Snyder emphasized the primary goal of the initiative: ‘To have it never spread here.’
This situation marks only the second detection of hydrilla in Illinois, with the first occurrence happening in 2019 in a detention pond in Lake County.
‘It was much smaller and easier to contain; there was just a pipe [to spread it],’ Snyder explained, emphasizing the challenges posed by the Ginger Creek finding due to its larger ecosystem.
The IDNR categorizes hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) as ‘one of the world’s worst aquatic weeds.’
The plant can grow up to an inch per day, forming dense mats of vegetation that negatively impact recreational activities like boating and fishing, as well as local wildlife and property values.
Efforts to control hydrilla in the northeastern United States have turned into multi-million dollar projects, highlighting the urgency reflected in the Illinois Hydrilla Task Force—established in 2014 and updated in 2015—which was created in anticipation of such finds.
In addition to Snyder and Doohaluk, other agencies involved included The Conservation Foundation/DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup, fisheries ecologists from the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, and IDNR fisheries biologists.
The team also included aquatic biologists from SePRO, showcasing a collaborative response aimed at effectively managing the threat of hydrilla.
Hydrilla shares a resemblance with native Elodea species; however, hydra’s distinctive features include whorls of more than three leaves and often visibly toothed edges.
Snyder expressed uncertainty about how hydrilla found its way into Ginger Creek but suggested plausible reasons, such as an aquarium dump or contributions from water gardens.
Interestingly, hydrilla is classified as a federal noxious weed, making its sale, transport, and possession illegal in Illinois, though it can still be acquired online.
‘Public education is so important,’ Snyder reiterated, urging individuals to avoid purchasing banned plants or animals.
In line with these efforts, Keegan Lund, an aquatic biologist from SePRO, provided insight into the herbicide being used, SonarOne, which contains Fluridone as its active ingredient.
Lund explained that this organic compound disrupts the plant’s photosynthesis, leading to its eventual death.
The objective is to eliminate the ‘tuber bank’ of hydrilla, which may require several treatments for effective eradication.
Before heading out to distribute the herbicide, the teams calibrated their spreaders using kitty litter to ensure accurate application.
This preparation was briefly interrupted when invasive mute swans approached, seemingly curious about the group’s activities.
Snyder highlighted the importance of maintaining equipment cleanliness between treatment sites and recommended using heated pressure washers or bleach sprayers to prevent further spread of the weed.
‘Public common sense is so important,’ she advised, summarizing a broader call for responsible environmental stewardship.
During the herbicide application, I accompanied Snyder and fisheries ecologist Dan Grigas, who piloted the boat across the waters of Ginger Creek.
Snyder carefully applied the herbicide, demonstrating a keen understanding of the task.
The sprayers have a range of up to 40 feet, and applications took place from both boats and shorelines.
As Snyder sprayed, numerous native wildlife such as green herons and mallard drakes were observed, reminding the team of the ecological balance they are striving to protect.
image source from：https://chicago.suntimes.com/outdoors/2025/04/26/doing-search-and-destroy-on-hydrilla
