Snapshot Day on August 20 will be community science in action
Water lovers of all ages are invited to join River Alliance of Wisconsin and local watershed protection groups on a search for aquatic invasive species on August 20 at monitoring sites around the state.
Snapshot Day is a fun, hands-on effort that relies on participants to monitor streams, lakes, and wetlands at designated sites around Wisconsin to look for signs of non-native plants and animals that pose risks to Wisconsin waterways and wildlife. Information collected will be provided to the WI DNR to inform and guide monitoring and response efforts.
“It isn’t a huge time commitment for volunteers, but Snapshot Day is a great way for people to experience meaningful community science in Wisconsin,” said River Alliance of Wisconsin Aquatic Invasive Species Program Director Ellen Voss. “Volunteers come away with a sense of how everyone plays a role in protecting Wisconsin’s rivers and lakes.”
Voss is coordinating the Snapshot Day event in the La Crosse area and is recruiting much-needed volunteers. Because the Mississippi River acts like a superspreader of aquatic invasive species, a major focus of River Alliance of Wisconsin’s regional efforts has been Wisconsin’s west coast.
“Early detection is key to keeping problematic species in check,” said Voss.
La Crosse: help spread the word about Snapshot Day. Download a flyer with QR code to post locally.
Volunteers are also key to the success of the free event.
No experience is necessary, and training is provided virtually prior to the event and at the volunteer meetup site. Wisconsinites ages eight and up are welcome, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. We also ask all non-vaccinated volunteers to practice social distancing and wear a mask.
Virtual Training
Friday, August 12
Noon
(will be recorded if you cannot attend the live online training)
Snapshot Day
Saturday, August 20
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
*time may vary by location
Advance registration is requested to help Site Leaders build monitoring plans but will remain open until August 14.
Learn more about the event details, locations, and registration on the statewide Water Action Volunteers website.
Invite your friends via Facebook and follow #SnapshotDay2022
It only takes a few hours, and it’s a great way to do a little something for the waters of Wisconsin that we literally could not live without.
Snapshot Day is entering its ninth successful year and is coordinated in partnership by UW-Madison Division of Extension, River Alliance of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
– Stacy Harbaugh, Communications Director
This message is made possible by generous donors who believe people have the power to protect and restore water. Become a member of River Alliance of Wisconsin today.