News-Gazette Photos/Andrew Sullivan

Jeremy Slade, senior biological scientist for the Center for Aquatic Invasive Plants at the University of Florida, provided information during a hydrilla field day Thursday on Lake Tohopekaliga. The annual event provides information about the control of non-native plants.

Above: Two airboats, with Slade leading the discussion in the boat on the right, tour Lake Tohopekaliga, investigating plant life on the lake.

At left: During an airboat tour of the northern end of the lake, Slade reaches over the side of the boat to demonstrate a desirable species of plant found in the lake, Vallisneria americana, known as tape grass.

At left, Lake Toho supports a variety of plant life.     At right, Slade speaks to the tour group.