Using a temporary marker when locating invasive plants

This was also published in The Water Column, Lake Stewards of Maine, Vol 25 No. 1 p 11

When snorkeling one cannot carry a heavy marker about, and so when one finds a plant of interest there is a severe risk of losing it when obtaining a marker to mark its location.

I have found that having a small temporary marker solves the problem.

One needs a small (preferably smooth) weight attached to a small float with a lightweight string (nylon is good). The string should be able to be wrapped around the weight and/or float so that the marker can be easily carried in a pocket, or clipped onto a belt. An old cell phone belt pocket with a Velcro closure works well.

I first used a small brass pipe and a small section of (noodle) foam. The string is wrapped around the pipe and the end of the pipe pushed into the foam. The foam then holds the string in position.

That one came unclipped and was lost, so my second one was made from some threaded ⅜” rod connectors and a small noodle float. I now keep this in a small pouch with a Velcro closure that is on a belt. I can get the marker in and out of the flap by feel alone, allowing me to keep my eyes on the item that is to be marked.

Once the temporary marker is in place, I can fetch a regular marker and set that one in place, then roll up the temporary one and stow it on my belt again.