Volunteer to be a Citizen Scientist!
Water lovers of all ages are invited to join a statewide search for aquatic invasive species on August 18th, 2018. This fun, hands-on effort, known as Snapshot Day, relies on participants to monitor local lakes and streams at designated sites across the state for signs of non-native plants and animals that pose risks to Wisconsin waterways and wildlife.
Learn more and register for a site near you!
“For the 5th annual Snapshot Day we hope to see brand new faces joining friends and neighbors in the field. Our volunteers are our early detectors, they are the first line of defense in aquatic invasive species prevention,” explained Natalie Dutack, Watershed Groups Manager at River Alliance of Wisconsin. “By spotting threats early they help managers to prepare a rapid response. By taking part, you’re helping to protect the health of Wisconsin’s waters for everyone to enjoy,” Dutack shared.
Snapshot Day is a collaboration between River Alliance of Wisconsin, UW Extension’s Citizen Lake Monitoring Network, the Wisconsin DNR and more than 15 local partners. Nearly 200 volunteers are expected to join the hunt for invasive species, which include escaped or intentionally released water garden and aquarium species that can choke out our rivers and streams and impair vital habitat.
Information collected by citizen volunteers will be provided to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to inform and guide further monitoring and response efforts.
EVENT DETAILS:
- Saturday, August 18th, 8:30am-1pm
- There are multiple Snapshot Day sites around the state this year.
- Following a brief identification training, volunteers will disperse to collect samples at critical monitoring sites and then reconvene to report what they found.
No experience is necessary and training is provided. This is a free event. Recommended for ages 8 and up, minors must be accompanied by an adult.