Crescent Lake’s glinting water has been crowded out by water lettuce, spoiling the waterfront view for many visitors and residents of Historic Uptown, but for retired ecologist Jim Bays, the mats of invasive plant spreading across Crescent Lake are nothing new. He has watched water lettuce come and go there for roughly 20 years.
Bays has lived in Historic Uptown for two decades and spent his career working in ecology. Since 2021, he has also worked with Stewards of Urban Lakes, a volunteer organization focused on improving water quality and restoring natural habitat in St. Petersburg’s urban lakes.
“Our focus is on ecological improvements through habitat enhancement,” Bays said, along with cleanups to remove debris…